Oral Mucositis Induced By Anticancer Therapies

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cancer Therapy
• Oral Medicine

Background:

• Oral mucositis is a frequent and severe complication of cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
• Symptoms include pain, dose reduction, treatment interruption, and reduced quality of life.
• Ulcerative mucositis poses a risk for life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients.

Approach:

• This article reviews the epidemiology, pathobiology, and management of oral mucositis.
• It discusses oral mucosal injury associated with conventional cytotoxic therapies.
• Emerging information on oral mucosal injury from targeted therapies is also summarized.

Key Points:

• Conventional cancer therapies commonly induce oral mucositis, causing significant pain and impacting treatment adherence.
• While targeted therapies may reduce mucosal injury, they do not eliminate it.
• Dental professionals play a crucial role in managing oral mucositis and improving patient care.

Conclusions:

• Effective management of oral mucositis is essential for maintaining cancer treatment integrity and patient well-being.
• Further research is needed to develop more effective supportive care strategies.
• Collaboration between oncologists and dental experts is vital for advancing oral mucositis research and clinical practice.