X-radiation is routinely used to destroy cancerous tissues in the host. This treatment can often produce two types of trauma - acute and chronic. The type,duration and intensity is determined not only by the radiation-trauma reaction but also by the radiation destruction of the hematopoietic cells [hemoglobin formation] and lymphatic tissues [immune systems] which protect the body against bacterial and viral infections.

Obviously, the administration of a benign therapeutic drug which would promote the regeneration of the hematopoietic and lymphatic tissues would accelerate the recovery processes. The radiation ameliorating factor, RAFS, isolated from spleen could function in this capacity. Small mammals [controls] exposed to near-fatal dosage of X-radiation exhibited a survival rate of 350 survivors/1000 whereas, the RAFS treated subjects resulted in 650 survivors/1000.

[Katz, S. and Ellinger, F., "Isolation of a Radiation-Mortality Reducing Factor from Spleen" NATURE, 197, 937, 1963]



This project was terminated in the pilot-plant stage upon the activation of AFRRI, Armed Forces Radiation Research Institute in 1962. Dr. Katz's effort to present this information to a competent governmental unit have been unsuccessful.