misoprostol and Neoplasm-Metastasis

The oral complications associated with radiotherapy to the head and neck are a significant dose-limiting factor. The goals of this study were to determine whether oropharyngeal rinsing and ingestion of misoprostol protect mucous membranes from the acute effects of irradiation, and to evaluate the quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes of patients receiving misoprostol. We report the results of the QOL outcomes of patients in this study.. A total of 33 patients with resected or intact cancer of the oral cavity, oropharynx, supraglottic larynx, or hypopharynx were registered to receive postoperative radiotherapy plus misoprostol or primary radiotherapy plus misoprostol. All patients were scheduled to receive 60-70 Gy at 2 Gy/d within 6-7 weeks. QOL and function were evaluated.. A decrease in the QOL and function occurred in all areas covered by the questionnaire at the 6-week interval. This decrease was significant for eating, saliva, taste, and mucous. Of these significant factors, taste, saliva, and mucous consistency had not resolved by 12 weeks.. Increased understanding of the impact of treatment on QOL and symptoms will formulate the rational design of toxicity interventions and enhance the multidisciplinary care of head-and-neck patients.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Alprostadil; Antineoplastic Agents; Female; Humans; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Misoprostol; Mouth Mucosa; Mouth Neoplasms; Mucous Membrane; Neoplasm Metastasis; Pharyngeal Neoplasms; Pharynx; Quality of Life; Surveys and Questionnaires; Time Factors

The carcinogenic potential of misoprostol, a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analogue with anti-ulcer potential, was evaluated in CD Sprague-Dawley rats. The compound was given daily by gavage at 24, 240, and 2,400 micrograms/kg, up to 150 times the daily human dose for 2 years. Necropsies were done on all animals and the incidences of non-neoplastic and neoplastic changes analyzed for significance by life table methods. The only statistically significant non-neoplastic finding was epithelial hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis of the gastric mucosa. These changes, which are characteristic of some prostaglandins, were expected. Other non-neoplastic findings were typical of known spontaneous conditions in this strain of rats. The most frequent neoplasm was the pituitary adenoma, followed by the mammary fibroadenoma, mammary adenoma, mammary adenocarcinoma, and thyroid C-cell adenoma. A rare neoplasm, squamous cell carcinoma of the ovary was found in two rats. There was no evidence that misoprostol is carcinogenic for CD Sprague-Dawley rats.

Topics: Alprostadil; Animals; Anti-Ulcer Agents; Carcinogens; Female; Male; Misoprostol; Neoplasm Metastasis; Neoplasms, Experimental; Organ Specificity; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Sex Factors