Oral mucositis in head and neck cancer: Evidence-based management and review of clinical trial data

Oral Oncol. 2019 Aug:95:29-34. doi: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2019.05.013. Epub 2019 Jun 6.

Abstract

Oral Mucositis (OM) continues to be an oncologic challenge in the context of antineoplastic therapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment. It is a dose-limiting toxicity of chemotherapy and radiation treatment and negatively impacts quality of life and cancer treatment efficacy. Significant effort in the field of OM has been made to help alleviate its symptoms and its subsequent clinical and economic impact. Despite these advances, the treatment of oral mucositis remains difficult and focuses on palliative measures. There are, however, many promising new biological targets currently undergoing investigation to ameliorate or help prevent the toxicity of OM in HNC. Some of these targets undergoing investigation in phase 2 and 3 clinical trials are further highlighted along with the pathobiology of OM, clinical course, prevention, and management measures.

Keywords: Chemo-radiation; Chemotherapy; Head and neck cancer; Oral mucositis; Radiotherapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Chemoradiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic
  • Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic
  • Evidence-Based Medicine / methods*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life
  • Radiation Injuries / complications
  • Radiation Injuries / etiology
  • Radiation Injuries / therapy*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Stomatitis / complications
  • Stomatitis / diagnosis
  • Stomatitis / etiology
  • Stomatitis / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents