A Blind Study to Evaluate The Role of Alpha-Tocopherol to Reduce Methotrexate Induced Toxicities in Cancer Management

Methotrexate is the most commonly used antimetabolite, frequently producing dramatic results in a number of malignant diseases. However, the efficacy of the drug becomes limited due to unexpected and apparently quite sudden severe toxicity, which even persists despite the administration of citrovorum factor. Since alpha-tocopherol has been found to play a significant role against the development of anticancer therapy induced toxicities, a double blind study is conducted on twenty six patients, who were on prolonged Methotrexate therapy, for residue or recurrence of their head and neck malignancies. A significant decrease in renal toxicity is noted in patients who received alpha-tocopherol. Antioxidant action of alpha tocopherol probably plays an important role in this regard.