The present invention relates to new uses of thermally stable, crystalline S-2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethyl dihydrogen phosphorothioate, (amifostine) and other aminothiol compounds to treat and reverse toxicities caused by radiation treatment. In particular, the invention provides a method for treating or preventing xerostomia associated with the administration of radiation treatment of head and neck cancer.

Cancer patients treated by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy often suffer serious side effects. Currently, there is only one FDA approved and used as both a chemoprotector and a radioprotector, amifostine, which is associated with significant problems. Disclosed in the present invention are novel methods of using UTL-5g as both a chemoprotector and radioprotector for treating cancer patients in addition to other related methods.

The present invention relates to a sterile stable vacuum dried crystalline amifostine composition and optionally pharmaceutically acceptable excipient(s). Typically the crystalline compositions of the present invention exhibit enhanced stability at temperatures ranging from about 4°C to about ambient temperature for a period of at least 2 years relative to existing solid vacuum dried amorphous amifostine preparations. The reconstituted compositions of the present invention are suitable for admin...