Evidence supporting the use of: Interferon gamma
For the health condition: Radiation Sickness
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) has some scientific basis for consideration in the management of radiation sickness, particularly in relation to its immunomodulatory effects. Radiation sickness, or acute radiation syndrome (ARS), causes severe immunosuppression and increases susceptibility to infections due to the depletion of white blood cells. IFN-γ is a cytokine known to stimulate the immune system, enhance macrophage activation, and promote antigen presentation. Animal studies in the 1980s and 1990s suggested that IFN-γ could improve survival rates and hematopoietic recovery following lethal doses of radiation by aiding immune reconstitution and stimulating residual hematopoietic cells. However, clinical evidence in humans is limited. While IFN-γ has been approved by the FDA for chronic granulomatous disease and severe malignant osteopetrosis, its use in ARS is not standard. The US government's CDC and HHS include IFN-γ as a potential supportive agent in some radiation event guidelines, but only as part of experimental or emergency protocols and not as a primary treatment. The mainstay of ARS management remains supportive care, hematopoietic growth factors (such as G-CSF or GM-CSF), and infection control. Overall, while there is a theoretical and preclinical scientific rationale, and IFN-γ has occasionally been considered in emergency settings, the clinical evidence is weak and it is not a routine or validated treatment for radiation sickness.