title: Pathobiology of mucositis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the pathogenesis of mucositis, summarize the techniques used to study the condition, and describe the current five-phase model that defines mucositis pathogenesis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Published research articles, ongoing laboratory and clinical studies, and clinical experience.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Defining the biological mechanisms associated with mucosal injury is critical for effective intervention. Research performed over the past few years has shown that the pathobiology of mucositis is complex, and involves all of the cells and tissues of the mucosa.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An understanding of this evolving pathobiologic model of mucositis will enable nurses to more effectively assess and manage mucositis.
authors.affiliation: Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Stephen T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Sonis
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D008967:Molecular Biology; D009061:Mouth Mucosa; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000150:complications; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D013280:Stomatitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000451:nursing / Q000473:pathology*; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents