Current trends in the management of oral mucositis related to cancer treatment
- Author:
Biswa Mohan Biswal
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Oral mucositis, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, prevention, treatment
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
2008;15(3):4-13
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Oral mucositis is one of the most common toxicities observed during radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment for cancers. Mucositis results in sore mouth, altered
taste sensation, pain and dysphagia leading to malnutrition. Left untreated, oral
mucositis leads to ulceration, orodental infection, bleeding and discontinuation of effective radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Frequent hospitalization, enteral or
parenteral nutrition, increased demand for analgesics ultimately account for increased cost of healthcare. Quantification of oral mucositis using standardized
grading system is important for appropriate evaluation, reporting and management. In the recent past there is a paradigm shift in the pathobiology of
cancer therapy related mucositis. Clear understanding of its pathogenesis is essential for the formulation of effective mucositis care. Numerous drug therapies,
radiation techniques and oral care protocols have been tried in the past to reduce oral mucositis, None have proven to be consistently effective. Current trends for
the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis is multi-targeted treatment supplemented by aggressive oral hygiene, reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibitors,
growth factors and use of specific topical agents to improve treatment of oral mucositis in future.
- Full text:W020151019510416844984.pdf
