Pharmacological protection from radiation pneumonitis in postoperative radiotherapy of breast cancer

In 27 breast cancer patients given postoperative radiotherapy on a ''Rocus'' gamma-teletherapy unit under Tanderylsup(R) protection, scintigraphic examinations were performed to follow the evolution of radiation pneumonitis. Scanning studies were done using sup(113m)indium ferric hydroxide. In the course of postoperative radiotherapy of direct fields Tanderylsup(R) was administered at total daily doses of 500-600 mg within the first three days, 400-500 mg during the following five days, and 300-400 mg on subsequent days. The patients were examined before starting radiotherapy and during the 1sr, 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 12 month after it. On the affected side, apex areas were found to be relatively unaltered in shape; there were, however, local reduction in pulmonary perfusion, and increased perfusion in mid-field portions of the lung with prevailing anterior location. Such changes were observed between the 2nd and the 4th months after radiotherapy was discontinued. After 6 months, pulmonary vascularity was considerably improved. The results indicated a sizeable beneficial effect on radiation pneumonitis evaluation to have been obtained with Tanderylsup(R) protection. (author)