Assessing and managing chemotherapy-induced mucositis pain

Acute pain is the major clinical problem associated with mucositis. Mucosal tissue injury is a dose-limiting toxicity of many cancer therapies. Because the number of patients treated with combinations of high-dose chemotherapy agents is likely to increase, more patients are at risk for mucositis. Currently, no consensus exists regarding mucositis prevention, assessment, or treatment. Similarly, research is needed in methods to accurately assess and manage pain for mucositis. Multiple interventional approaches are needed to decrease the emotional and physical distress caused by acute oral pain and mucositis. An assessment tool that includes physical, functional, and pain parameters is presented. Although approaches to prevent and treat mucositis are increasing, appropriate assessment and timely directed interventions can minimize patient distress.