The reaction of hypoxic cell radiosensitizing drugs with vitamin C

Hypoxic cell radiosensitizing drugs are oxygen-mimicking chemicals that will increase the radiation response of hypoxic cells in vitro and in vivo (Fowler et al., 1976). In addition to their oxygen-mimicking properties these drugs may also sensitize the cells to radiation by removing or binding intracellular biochemicals such as reduced pyridine nucleotides (NAD(P)H) and glutathione (GSH), capable of repairing radiation damage (Chapman et al., 1973). More recently it was found that metronidazole or "Flagyl" may inhibit cellular oxygen consumption and that this inhibition may cause reoxygenation of tumour tissue in vivo (Biaglow et al., 1974; Durand et al., 1976; Haynes and Inch, 1976).