Novel therapies.
OBJECTIVE
To highlight selected research directed to new drug and device technologies to manage mucositis in cancer patients and to illustrate potential impact of successful therapies.


METHODS
Published research articles and abstracts, clinical experience.


CONCLUSIONS
Advances in molecular modeling of mucosal injury in cancer patients have created new opportunities for therapy. Research is analyzing the impact of single-agent interventions; varying degrees of efficacy are being reported. Once optimal dosing strategies for single-agent management are defined, the opportunity for multi-agent therapies will emerge.


CONCLUSIONS
The oncology nurse plays a pivotal role in assessing and managing mucositis in cancer patients.
Peterson
Douglas E
DE
Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06030-1605, USA.
Beck
Susan L
SL
Keefe
Dorothy M K
DM
D017679:Cryotherapy / Q000639:trends; D017277:Drug Approval; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000639:trends; D008967:Molecular Biology; D009061:Mouth Mucosa; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D012106:Research / Q000639:trends*; D013280:Stomatitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration