Amifostine (Ethyol)

Amifostine is a chemical compound that has been under investigation for many years. This substance has shown efficacy in both prevention and reduction of damage to kidneys from Cisplatinum. Amifostine is also effective in prevention of electrolyte abnormalities that follow treatment with Cisplatinum, especially in prevention of lowering of Magnesium level in blood. It may also reduce other side effects seen with Cisplatinum like damage to hearing nerves as well as peripheral nerves.

Amifostine has shown efficacy in preventing dryness in the mouth in patients receiving radiation therapy to their head and neck cancers.

This drug, although effective, has serious side effects, such as nausea, vomiting that can be rather intense.  In setting of palliative medical care, whereby patient's comfort matters, this drug is hardly used.