An unmet need for pharmacology: Treatments for radiation-induced gastrointestinal mucositis
Yan Zhou1, Kun Li2, David L Adelson1
1Department of Molecular and Biomedical Science, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia; Zhendong Australia China Centre for Molecular Chinese Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia.
Abstract:
Gastrointestinal mucositis (GIM) continues to be a significant issue in the management of abdominal cancer radiation treatments and chemotherapy, causing significant patient discomfort and therapy interruption or even cessation. This review will first focus on radiotherapy induced GIM, providing an understanding of its clinical landscape. Subsequently, the aetiology of GIM will be reviewed, highlighting diverse contributing factors. The cellular and tissue damage and associated molecular responses in GIM will be summarised in the context of the underlying complex biological processes. Finally, available drugs and pharmaceutical therapies will be evaluated, underscoring their insufficiency, and highlighting the need for further research and innovation. This review will emphasize the urgent need for improved pharmacologic therapeutics for GIM, which is a key research priority in oncology.
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