Abstract: Vasoconstrictors are administered topically to provide protection against the adverse effects, e.g., alopecia, mucositis or dermatitis, induced by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Appropriate dosages and formulations of topical vasoconstrictors are provided. Methods for the use of such compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polyamine and amino thiol compounds and pharmaceutical compositions for administration in conjunction with cancer chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The compounds are administered locally to provide protection against the adverse side-effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, such as alopecia, mucositis and dermatitis. Pharmaceutical preparations comprising one or more chemoprotective polyamines or amino thiols formulated for topical or local delivery to epithelial or mucosal cells are disclosed. Methods of administering the pharmaceutical preparations are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions, pharmaceutical preparations and methods are disclosed for protecting non-neoplastic cells from damage caused by cancer chemotherapeutic agents or radiation therapy, during the course of cancer therapy or bone marrow transplant. These are based on the use of chemoprotective inducing agents that induce or increase production of cellular detoxification enzymes in target cell populations. The compositions and methods are useful to reduce or prevent hair loss, gastrointestinal distress and lesions of the skin and oral mucosa that commonly occur in patients undergoing cancer therapy. Also disclosed is a novel assay system for identifying new chemoprotective inducing agents.