Therapeutic and prophylactic effects of strontium on radiotherapy-induced skin toxicity in rats

Background and Design: This study aimed to investigate whether 5% strontium (Sr) chloride hexahydrate has preventive or therapeutic effects on the radiotherapy (RT)-induced adverse skin effects. Materials and Methods: Sixty-four female Wistar albino rats weighing 200-210 g, aged 4.5-5 months were divided into eight groups. Results: There were significant differences between control group and the other groups according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Acute Radiation Morbidity Scoring Criteria (RTOG) and histopathological findings (p<0.050). However, there were no significant differences between RT group and treatment groups (p>0.05). In addition, there were no significant differences among treatment groups (p>0.05). Statistical results were as follows according to the immunohistochemical evaluation of transforming growth factor-beta: group 1 and 4 (p=0.015), group 1 and 5 (p=0.014), group 1 and 6 (p=0.035), group 1 and 8 (p=0.046), group 2 and 6 (p-0.047), group 4 and 6 (p=0.031); and according to the immunohistochemical evaluation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha: group 1 and 2 (p=0.024), group 1 and 8 (p=0.045). Conclusion: Topical treatment with Sr at a concentration of 5% is insufficient to prevent the side effects of RT involving the skin, as assessed by the RTOG scoring, histopathological findings, and immunological markers.