New thoughts on the pathobiology of regimen-related mucosal injury.
BACKGROUND
Our understanding of the biological basis for mucosal barrier injury (mucositis) induced by cancer therapy with radiation or drugs continues to evolve. A patient's mucosal response to cancer therapy appears to be controlled by both global (i.e. gender, underlying systemic disease, race) and tissue specific (i.e. epithelial type, intrinsic endocrine system, local microbial environment, function) factors.


CONCLUSIONS
Interactions of these elements, coupled with underlying genetic influences, most likely govern the risk, course and severity of regimen-related mucosal injury.
Anthony
Lowell
L
The Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, LSUHSC, New Orleans, LA, USA.
Bowen
Joanne
J
Garden
Adam
A
Hewson
Ian
I
Sonis
Stephen
S
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D015897:Comorbidity; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000502:physiology; D008967:Molecular Biology; D052016:Mucositis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D044469:Racial Groups / Q000235:genetics; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D012621:Seasons; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D013280:Stomatitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents