title: [Management of mucositis following radiotherapy for head and neck cancers].
abstract: Acute mucositis is common after radiotherapy for head and neck cancers. During the past 3 decades, there was a gradual evolution in the treatment modalities for locally advanced carcinomas (concomitant radio-chemotherapy, accelerated radiotherapy). These new strategies are accompanied by an increase in early mucosal reactions. At the present time, there is no widely accepted prophylaxis or effective treatment. Many traditional remedies or new agents seem ineffective (Sucralfate, Chlorhexidine, GM-CSF, Silver nitrate, Prostaglandin, anti-oxidants, Benzydamine hydrochloride), while others seem promising (Povidone-iodine, nonabsorbable antibiotic lozenges and antifungals, local GM-CSF, Glutamide, Low-energy laser, corticosteroïds). Radioprotectors are controversial and should be only used in experimental protocols and not in routine practice. However, some recommendations can be proposed: general prevention and global care before cancer therapy should be systematic (oral hygiene, dental and periodontal treatment, advice to avoid the use of tobacco and alcohol); frequent oral rinsing with a bland mouthwash (Povidone-iodine or others) should be used at the start of treatment because there are significant modifications of the oral microflora increased by a disturbed salivary flow; these mouthwashes could be associated with nonabsorbable antibiotic lozenges or antifungal topicals (bicarbonates, Amphotéricine B); Systematic percutaneous fluoroscopic gastrostomy should be decided before any aggressive treatments (concomitant radio-chemotherapy, accelerated radiotherapy); pain should be controlled; finally, the radiation technique should be optimized (mucosal-sparing block, conformal radiotherapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy).
authors.affiliation: Département de radiothérapie, centre Alexis-Vautrin, avenue de Bourgogne, 54511 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy. m.lapeyre@nancy.fnclcc.fr
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lapeyre
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Charra-Brunaud
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Kaminsky
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Geoffrois
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Dolivet
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Toussaint
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Maire
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Pourel
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Simon
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Marchal
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bey
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000473:pathology*; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020266:Radiotherapy, Conformal; D013280:Stomatitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D009067:Mouthwashes; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents