Current concepts in the pathogenesis and management of oral mucositis as a complication of cancer therapy

Abstract

The ubiquitous nature of oral mucositis in patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy and bone marrow transplantation and its effect on patient quality of life, coupled with notable recent advances in better understanding of the pathobiology of mucositis, have brought about a shift from the symptomatic approach in management to a preventive one. This has been reflected in the literature over the past five years or so, and has culminated in the introduction of a variety of new medications, the majority of which are still being investigated. A universal management scheme for oral mucositis is far from being realised, but the current management guidelines as developed by the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer is invaluable for clinicians of all disciplines involved. The introduction of the recently-approved human recombinant keratinocyte growth factor (palifermin) is perhaps one of the most notable achievements in mucositis research; but the possibility of a topical preparation and its potential in other disease conditions have not been tapped into as ye