A Phase II Study to Evaluate Oral Chlorophyllin in Hemorrhagic Cystitis Secondary to Radiation Therapy for Pelvic Malignancies

Radiation therapy to the pelvis is a commonly used treatment modality for urological, gynaecological and rectal cancers. Intensity modulation and image guidance have improved the delivery of radiation therapy in recent times. However, this does not eliminate the risk of radiation-induced damage to the adjacent healthy tissue - in this consideration, the bladder. Hemorrhagic cystitis accounts for 5-7% of emergency urology admissions. The procedure for the management of radiation cystitis proceeds from non-invasive oral drugs and HBOT to minimally invasive treatment like intravesical therapy and angioembolization, to more morbid procedures like cystectomy and urinary diversion. Although these treatment modalities have shown some success, most patients continue to have recurrent/persistent hematuria. There is a need to explore options of other oral/intravesical agents which can aid in mucosal healing and stop hematuria with lasting effects. Sodium-copper-chlorophyllin (CHL) is a phytopharmaceutical drug obtained from green plant pigment, chlorophyll. It is a semi-synthetic mixture of sodium copper salts derived from chlorophyll. Chlorophyllin scavenges radiation-induced free radicals and reactive oxygen species. Research at BARC has shown that chlorophyllin prevents radiation-induced toxicity in normal hematopoietic tissues and normal epithelial cells. A phase 1 clinical study in healthy volunteers indicate that CHL is safe and tolerable in humans and has not shown any severe adverse events. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral sodium copper chlorophyllin in hemorrhagic cystitis secondary to radiation therapy for pelvic malignancy.