radioprotectants
Radioprotectants are substances that reduce tissue injury caused by ionizing radiation. They are used to protect normal tissues during radiotherapy, to mitigate effects after accidental exposure, or to aid during exposure in space and other high-radiation scenarios. Radioprotectants can be chemical compounds, biological agents, or enzymes that are administered before or after exposure, depending on their mechanism and clinical context.
Mechanisms include scavenging of reactive oxygen species produced by water radiolysis, preservation of cellular redox balance,
Amifostine is the best known clinically used radioprotector. It is a prodrug converted to WR-1065, administered
Limitations include toxicity (e.g., hypotension with amifostine), narrow protective windows, risk of shielding tumor cells, and
Emerging approaches focus on targeted delivery, selective protection of normal tissue, and combination strategies to separate