Radiosensitization of normal tissue by chloroquine.

Severe radiation reaction with chest wall necrosis occurred following 5,000 rads of 60Co irradiation. The patient was arthritic and on chloroquine therapy. This delayed reaction was due to chloroquine radiosensitization. Rats treated with combined chloroquine and chest wall irradiation were compared to rats receiving irradiation alone. The acute radiation reaction was greater in the drug treated animals.