ascorbic-acid and Abdominal-Neoplasms

Radiation-induced gastrointestinal injury or radiation enteropathy is an imminent risk during radiation therapy of abdominal or pelvic tumors. Despite remarkable technological advancements in image-guided radiation delivery techniques, the risk of intestinal injury after radiotherapy for abdominal or pelvic cancers has not been completely eliminated. The irradiated intestine undergoes varying degrees of adverse structural and functional changes, which can result in transient or long-term complications. The risk of development of enteropathy depends on dose, fractionation, and quality of radiation. Moreover, the patients' medical condition, age, inter-individual sensitivity to radiation and size of the treatment area are also risk factors of radiation enteropathy. Therefore, strategies are needed to prevent radiotherapy-induced undesirable alteration in the gastrointestinal tract. Many natural plant products, by virtue of their plethora of biological activities, alleviate the adverse effects of radiation-induced injury. The current review discusses potential roles and possible mechanisms of natural plant products in suppressing radiation enteropathy. Natural plant products have the potential to suppress intestinal radiation toxicity.

Topics: Abdominal Neoplasms; Ascorbic Acid; Biological Products; Curcumin; Garlic; Humans; Intestinal Diseases; Pelvic Neoplasms; Plant Extracts; Radiation Injuries; Vitamin E

Administration of indomethacin caused complete resolution of a desmoid tumor after a partial response to radiation. In another patient, this drug caused an immediate response, then became ineffective. When large doses of ascorbic acid were given with indomethacin, slow resolution of the tumor began and has continued for 14 months. Treatment of a third case with indomethacin and ascorbic acid from the beginning produced shrinkage of the tumor which has continued to date.

Topics: Abdominal Neoplasms; Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Fibroma; Humans; Indomethacin; Male; Mediastinal Neoplasms; Thoracic Neoplasms