Effect of cepharanthin in preventing radiation induced normal tissue damage in prostate cancer

A total of 97 patients with prostate cancer who underwent radiotherapy were retrospectively reviewed to analyze the protective efficacy of Cepharanthin for acute or late toxicity to the bladder/urethra and rectum. Cepharanthin administrations were divided into 3 groups: intravenous, oral, and non-administration. Acute urinary toxicity was significantly milder for the intravenous group than for the oral and non-administration groups. The protective efficacy of Cepharanthin was not approved for acute rectal toxicity, but late rectal toxicity was significantly milder for the intravenous group than for the oral group. Intravenous Cepharanthin administration may prevent acute or late toxicity by radiotherapy for prostate cancer. (author)