Protective Effect of Adrenochrome Monoguanylhydrozone Methansulfonate (S-Adchnon) on the Hematopoietic Organ as Revealed in Irradiated Cancer Patients

Abstract

Adrenochrome monoguanylhydrozone methansulfonate (S-Adchnon) has the highest solubility in water among adrenochrome derivatives. From the action of S-Adchnon against capillaries, protective effect against radiation-induced damages of hematopoietic organs is to be considered. A dose of 100–300 mg of S-Adchnon was given 15–30 minutes before every expected irradiation by single intravenous injection, or it was administered in divided doses orally during the course of radiation therapy of cancer patients. A total of 150 cases treated by S-Adchnon were compared with 100 control cases receiving no protective agent. Variation of erythrocyte counts and hemoglobin contents was less than 5% in either S-Adchnon cases or control cases. The mean rate of reduction of leucocyte counts was 22±4% in S-Adchnon-administered cases compared with 30±4 % in control cases indicating considerable effect of the drug. The mean rate of reduction of thrombocyte counts was 27± 3% in S-Adchnon administered cases and 40±9% in control cases. This difference was also statistically significant. S-Adchnon was considered as one of the effective agent to reduce the side effect of radiation therapy on hematopoietic organ. © 1971, Journal of Radiation Research Editorial Committee. All rights reserved.