Background: Radioprotective capability of histamine H₂ receptor antagonists have been shown in several in vivo studies mainly using animal models. However, to verify the effectiveness of these agents in clinical applications, studies should be performed on human cells. In the present study radioprotective properties of these agents was examined in vitro on human lymphocytes using metaphase analysis.

Materials and Methods : In vitro metaphase analysis technique was used to test the effects of cimetidine, ranitidine and famotidine on radiation induced clastogenic effects. Lymphocytes in whole peripheral blood were exposed to 3 Gy gamma-rays at a dose rate of 73.7 cGy/min in the presence or absence of various doses of the drugs used in this study. The frequency of chromosomal aberrations were determined after standard metaphase preparations and staining slides in 5% Giemsa.

Results: Results show that radiation produced a high number of chromosomal aberrations in lymphocytes compared to controls (p<0.001). All three drugs used in this study effectively reduced the frequency of chromosomal aberrations at all doses. Famotidine was found to be more effective than the other two drugs.

Sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma (SNTCS) is a rare tumor characterized by mixture architecture of epithelial and mesenchymal components. SNTCS is a highly malignant tumor displaying progressive and aggressive growth with poor prognosis. Only about 40% of all patients survive after five years. It seems the combination of surgery and radiotherapy currently is the most
effective treatment. In this report we are presenting a 24-year-old Iranian male with SNTCS of right nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses who was referred to our radiotherapeutic Oncology
department, Tehran cancer institute, for post operative radiation treatment. The patient is treated with combination of surgical excision, postoperative radiation therapy and then followed for 10 months. The clinical and pathologic features, as well as its clinical course are presented. SNTSC is a rare condition and rapid progressive tumor. So far, the most widely accepted therapeutic plan for its treatment has been surgical excision with postoperative radiation therapy. Iran . J. Radiat. Res., 2004 2 (3): 159-162

  ABSTRACT

  Soft tissue sarcomas of the oral cavity are uncommon malignancies those of smooth-muscle origin are extremely rare. Leiomyosarcomas of the tongue are very rare. Either surgery or radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy are the treatment modalities which improve prognosis. We are presenting a 32-year-old man with leiomyosarcoma of the lateral aspect of the oral tongue with neck metastasis, who was referred to our radio therapeutic oncology department after glossectomy and radical modified neck dissection. The clinical and pathologic features together with his clinical course will be discussed. Six months after chemoradiotherapy, he developed a single metastasis in his right femur, and then by features of lung metastasis he died in a few weeks, unfortunately.