N-acetylcysteine in the prevention of cyclophosphamide induced haemorrhagic cystitis.

Cyclophosphamide, an alkylating agent used in the chemotherapeutic treatment of neoplasias, is metabolized into active substances capable of damaging the urothelium when in contact with some enzymes. Amongst several alternative proposals for the treatment and prevention of hemorrhagic cystitis induced by cyclophosphamide the use of a mucolytic agent, N-acetylcysteine is found. An experimental study performed in rats proved the efficacy of the drug in the prevention of hemorrhagic cystitis. Bladder protection was achieved in 33% of the animals with preventive treatment with N-acetylcysteine instead of 60% in the group which did not receive the drug.