Amifostine

Amifostine is a cytoprotective adjuvant used in cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy involving DNA-binding chemotherapeutic agents. Amifostine has been shown to specifically protect normal tissues from damage caused by radiation and chemotherapy. Amifostine is an inactive prodrug, amifostine is converted to an active thiol by dephosphorylation by alkaline phosphatase in the normal endothelium. The cytoprotective mechanism of amifostine is complicated, involving free-radical scavenging, DNA protection and repair acceleration, and induction of cellular hypoxia. Amifostine has potential applications in many other oncologic settings.