Chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal toxicity: Pathogenesis and current management

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Chemotherapy is a primary cancer treatment but causes significant gastrointestinal toxicity (CIGT).
• CIGT negatively impacts patient quality of life, leading to treatment intolerance.
• The mechanisms of CIGT are complex, involving direct mucosal damage, gut microbiota dysbiosis, inflammation, and neurotoxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the pathogenesis of CIGT.
• To summarize current management strategies for CIGT.
• To propose future research directions for optimizing CIGT interventions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review using PubMed and Google Scholar databases.
• Synthesis of information on CIGT pathogenesis and treatments.
• Identification of emerging therapeutic targets and approaches.

Main Results:

• Chemotherapeutic agents directly damage the gastrointestinal tract.
• Gut microbiota disorders, inflammation, and neurotoxicity are key contributors to CIGT.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shows promise as a complementary therapy for CIGT.

Conclusions:

• Future CIGT research should prioritize the gut microbiota and intestinal neurotoxicity.
• Exploring TCM therapies offers a promising avenue for developing novel CIGT interventions.
• Optimizing CIGT management requires a multi-faceted approach addressing its complex pathogenesis.