Nitroimidazoles as hypoxic-cell radiation sensitizers and cytotoxic agents

Evidence that hypoxia can influence response in clinical radiotherapy has been provided by various studies, including some employing radiation treatment in hyperbaric oxygen. Other methods aimed at overcoming hypoxia include the use of unconventional fractionation regimes aimed at optimizing reoxygenation processes during treatment, radiotherapy with high-energy neutrons, and radiation-sensitizing drugs. Chemical agents which increase the radiation sensitivity of hypoxic tumor cells without increasing radiation damage to well-oxygenated normal tissue would be an inexpensive method of overcoming hypoxic-cell radiation resistance. If free of complications, they could be used routinely in radiotherapy without the need for investment in specialized hardware