Research

Oral Pirfenidone in patients with chronic fibrosis resulting from radiotherapy: a pilot study

Nicole L Simone¹ , Benjamin P Soule² , Lynn Gerber³ , Elizabeth Augustine³ , Sharon Smith¹ , Rosemary M Altemus¹ , James B Mitchell² and Kevin A Camphausen¹

¹  Radiation Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Building 10-CRC, Room B2-3561, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA

²  Radiation Biology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health,9000 Rockville Pike, Building 10, Room B3B69, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA

³  Center for Chronic Illness and Disability, Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Robinson B415B, Mail Stop 5B7, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, Virginia, 22030, USA

author email corresponding author email

Radiation Oncology 2007, 2:19doi:10.1186/1748-717X-2-19

Published:	31 May 2007

Abstract

Background

Fibrosis is a common side effect after treatment with ionizing radiation. Several methods to ameliorate debilitating fibrosis have been employed but without consistent results. The goal of this pilot study is to determine if Pirfenidone, a novel regulator of cytokine gene expression, has the potential to ameliorate established radiation-induced fibrosis.

Methods

Open label, prospective pilot study of 800 mg three times/day, orally administered Pirfenidone was administered to enrolled patients who were had completed radiation therapy and who had established radiation-induced fibrosis. Range of motion (ROM) was assessed using standard measures, and subjective measures of pain, fatigue, disability and global health were measured every three months.

Results

Seven patients were enrolled of whom 3 had ROM assessments of 1 site and 2 had ROM assessments of 2 sites. Of these assessments, 6 revealed increased ROM during drug intervention while 1 revealed a decreased ROM. There was an overall improvement in the mental composite score of the SF36 while physical composite score was decreased and the vitality score was unchanged. Two patients were removed from the study because of syncopal episodes.

Conclusion

Several patients experienced improved function of at least 25% and reported subjective improvement. Pirfenidone may benefit patients with radiation-induced fibrosis and is worthy of a larger well controlled trial.