[Prevention and treatment of mucositis from cytotoxic chemotherapy]

Clin Ter. 2002 Mar-Apr;153(2):127-34.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

The administration of several chemotherapeutic regimens could be conditioned by the onset of mucositis. The characteristic lesions of the mucositis affect whole buccal mucosa. That derives from rapid turnover of the oropharyngeal epithelial surfaces. The mucosa can suffer from direct damage of antiblastic drugs or be susceptible of microbic infections. Moreover, other factors correlated to the patients as age, nutritional status, tumor type, oral hygiene and neutrophil count. Up to date, there is not a standard therapy for the cure or mucositis prevention. Some formalities can be employed in order to reduce chemo-induced damage: 1) altering the distribution and the excretion of drugs on the mucosa; 2) stimulating the basal cells of the mucosa; 3) trying to modify the infectious or inflammatory risks. The effective oral care, dietary changes and the use of protective topical and the careful use of topical and systemic anesthetic drugs are the cornerstones of mucositis care.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Humans
  • Infections / drug therapy
  • Infections / microbiology
  • Mouth Mucosa / drug effects*
  • Mouth Mucosa / pathology
  • Risk Factors
  • Stomatitis / chemically induced
  • Stomatitis / drug therapy*
  • Stomatitis / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents