title: Managing side-effects in radiotherapy with regard to the gastrointestinal tract.
abstract: Three different means of diminishing discomfort during radiation therapy of the gastrointestinal tract are demonstrated and discussed: 1. Use of the smallest possible treatment volumes in medically well developed regions with good possibilities for follow-up of all patients. 2. Regular consultations, with advice concerning food intake and dental hygiene 3. Use of the drug sucralfate, which may improve tolerance against the radiation-induced damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, University of Umeå, Sweden.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Franzén
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Hellsing
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Henriksson
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Littbrand
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000628:therapy; D004064:Digestive System / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010386:Pelvic Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D013392:Sucralfate / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D013392:Sucralfate