Scope and epidemiology of cancer therapy-induced oral and gastrointestinal mucositis.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the scope and epidemiology of cancer therapy-induced mucositis.


METHODS
Peer-reviewed articles and book chapters.


CONCLUSIONS
Mucositis is a frequent and costly complication of cancer treatment. The risk of cancer therapy-induced mucositis varies depending on a number of patient- and treatment-related factors.


CONCLUSIONS
An awareness of the risk factors associated with mucositis will allow nurses to identify cancer patients at greatest risk and incorporate supportive care measures into their management plans.
Avritscher
Elenir B C
EB
Section of Health Services Research, Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA.
Cooksley
Catherine D
CD
Elting
Linda S
LS
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing; D017048:Health Care Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006295:Health Resources / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D009061:Mouth Mucosa; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011788:Quality of Life; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D013280:Stomatitis / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents