Sucralfate: prophylaxis of mucosal damage during cancer therapy.
BACKGROUND
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy of different malignancies may be complicated by a variety of side effects, some of which may be related mucosal damage.


RESULTS
There is increasing evidence that sucralfate reduces the severity of radiation-induced mucositis in the head and neck, esophagus, and the lower gastrointestinal tract. Sucralfate also seems to protect the skin during radiotherapy and to reduce chemotherapy-induced mucositis.


CONCLUSIONS
Further studies could be of interest to define the clinical significance of sucralfate in reducing the mucosal damage and increasing quality of life during an following cancer therapy.
Henriksson
R
R
Dept. of Oncology, Umeá University Hospital, Sweden.
Franzén
L
L
Edbom
C
C
Littbrand
B
B
D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013392:Sucralfate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D013392:Sucralfate