New strategies for the prevention and reduction of cancer treatment-induced diarrhea.
OBJECTIVE
To describe possible new strategies for the prevention of CTID.


METHODS
Abstracts presented at oncology meetings, primary and secondary literature, trial protocols, and clinical experience.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients who have experienced an episode of diarrhea are at high risk for developing diarrhea with additional cycles of chemotherapy or radiation. One preventive strategy that holds out promise is the use of octreotide LAR as prophylaxis. This strategy should be considered for patients with a prior cycle complicated by persistent (lasting more than 48 hours) diarrhea of any severity, or by diarrhea of grades 3 and higher.


CONCLUSIONS
With preventive intervention and aggressive management of breakthrough symptoms, CTID may no longer pose a significant threat to patient comfort and well-being.
Anthony
Lowell
L
Division of Hematology/Oncology, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
D000465:Algorithms; D000930:Antidiarrheals / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000592:standards*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011788:Quality of Life; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012107:Research Design; D012307:Risk Factors
D000930:Antidiarrheals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents