Fullerene nanoparticles and their anti-oxidative effects: a comparison to other radioprotective agents

Radiation therapy occupies an important position in the treatment of malignant diseases in spite of theexistence of radiation side effects on normal tissues. Thus, substances are being developed which are designedto reduce both the acute and long term radiation effects on healthy tissues. Currently a sulphur-containingcompound amifostine (WR2721, ethyol) is used in clinical practice as a radioprotectant. However, it itselfhas considerable side effects including hypotension (found in 62% of patients), hypocalcaemia, diarrhoea,nausea, and vomiting. Carbon nanospheres, known as fullerenes, and their water soluble derivatives (e.g.C60(OH)24, dendrofullerene DF-1) exert anti-oxidative properties and reduce damage to the DNA in irradiatedcells. Water soluble fullerenes are low-toxic substances and thus, are attractive in terms of their use asradioprotectants.