Radioprotective Effects of Amifostine on Acute and Chronic Esophageal Injury in Rodents

This study demonstrates that amifostine given before each radiation fraction protects against acute and chronic esophageal injury in a rodent model. Protection of the mucosal epithelium integrity by amifostine prevents integrinαvβ6 expression which reduces TGF-β activation and subsequent development of chronic esophageal injury in this model. Further investigation is necessary to determine the clinical relevance of these findings.