title: Management of cancer therapy-induced oral mucositis.
abstract: The oral mucosa is a common site for collateral damage of cancer therapies, including radiation, cytotoxic medication, and newer targeted therapies. Ulcerative oral mucositis is typically painful and affects oral functions including speech, and oral intake of food and medications, thus impacting the quality of life. Denuded epithelium may also provide access of oral microbial flora to the deeper tissues and the circulation. Prevention of oral mucositis is an ongoing quest currently with relatively few answers. In this chapter, the present authors discuss the evidence and current practice for prophylaxis and management of this treatment side effect in cancer patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental Medicine, Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, New York, USA. abarasch@winthrop.org
authors.forename: Andrei
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Barasch
authors.forename: Joel B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Epstein
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013280:Stomatitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents