METHODS OF REDUCING SIDE EFFECTS IN CANCER THERAPY

摘要

The present invention provides a method of decreasing side effects in a human or animal cancer patient due to radiation therapy or chemotherapy. With this method, methionine enkephalin is administered to the patient at least one time per week for a first time period, where the first time period is at least three weeks. In one embodiment, the first time period is one or two months. Methionine enkephalin is then administered to the patient one time per month for a second time period, where the second time period is at least one month, and where the second time period is consecutive to the first time period. In one embodiment, the total term of methionine enkephalin treatment is at least six months. Methionine enkephalin may be administered to the patient at the same time as, before, or after administration of radiation or chemotherapy.