[Action of liposomal superoxide dismutase on measurable radiation-induced fibrosis].

Radiation-induced fibroses are a classical complication of radiotherapy. We have studied the effect of liposomal superoxide dismutase (Lipsod) on 45 radiation-induced fibroses of measurable volume and hardness in 34 patients. Over 3 weeks, 6 injections of Lipsod were given intramuscularly: 5 mg for 28 patients and 2 mg for 6 patients. On the average, the volume decreased by 32%. A marked or moderate softening was observed in 80% of the fibroses; it was accompanied by functional improvement in 75% of the patients (in cases of preexisting difficulties). The effectiveness was independent of the time lag between the Lipsod treatment and irradiation. The decreases noted in the volume and hardness of the fibroses remained stable during a follow-up of 5-24 months. This systematic study shows the interest of Lipsod treatment of quasi-experimental fibroses where no other effective therapy exists.