Cytoprotection Clinical Resource Area

What is Cytoprotection? Chemotherapy and radiation therapy often result in several toxicities that may affect healthy tissue adversely. A drug that has been shown to reduce these toxicities is called a “cytoprotectant” or “radioprotectant.”

The normal cells most likely to be affected by cancer therapy are bone marrow and epithelial cells in the mouth, digestive tract, reproductive system, and hair follicles. Some chemotherapy drugs can damage cells of the heart, kidneys, bladder, liver, lungs, and nervous system. The development of cytoprotective agents has lessened the side effects of certain therapies and improved the quality of life for people with cancer.

The concept of cytoprotection is not new. The drug MESNA, (Mesnex), is one of the oldest cytoprotective agents and has been given for preventing hemorrhagic cystitis since the late 1970’s. In recent years, new drugs to minimize the cardiac and renal toxicity associated with high dose chemotherapy have emerged. In addition new radioprotectants have emerged that minimize xerostomia.

The content on this resource area will help the oncology nurse understand these drugs and advocate for their use in clinical practice.