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Managing Mucositis in Cancer Patients: Symptoms, Epidemiology, and Treatment Strategies

Learn about mucositis, a common condition affecting cancer patients undergoing treatment. Understand its epidemiology, symptoms, prognosis, and management approaches to improve patient comfort and outcomes.

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Managing Mucositis in Cancer Patients: Symptoms, Epidemiology, and Treatment Strategies

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  1. The EPEC-O TM Education in Palliative and End-of-life Care - Oncology Project The EPEC-O Curriculum is produced by the EPECTM Project with major funding provided by NCI, with supplemental funding provided by the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

  2. EPEC – Oncology Education in Palliative and End-of-life Care – Oncology Module 3o Symptoms – Mucositis

  3. Mucositis . . . • Definition: mucosal barrier injury • It may affect the entire GI tract

  4. . . . Mucositis Epidemiology. . . • Impact: • Oral erythema, ulceration, pain, infection • Diarrhea (if it affects entire GI tract) • Decreased oral intake • Raises 100-day mortality

  5. . . . Mucositis . . . Epidemiology • Prevalence: • 40 % of patients on chemotherapy • 100 % if with stem cell transplant • Prognosis: • Usually self-limiting

  6. Key points • Pathophysiology • Assessment • Management

  7. Pathophysiology • Direct injury • Secondary infection • Graft versus host disease Plevova P. Oral Oncol, 1999.

  8. Usual course • Starts 5 - 7 days after chemotherapy • Generalized desquamation days 11 - 14 • Resolution • 2 days to 2 – 3 weeks • 6 weeks after radiation Wilkes JD. Semin Oncol, 1998.

  9. Assessment • History • Pain and its effect on the patient • Eating and drinking • Physical examination • Orthostatic blood pressure and pulse • Weight • Evaluate affected oral mucosa

  10. Management . . . Potential for prevention • Diminish mucosal delivery, eg, oral cryotherapy • Modify epithelial proliferation, eg, growth factors • Reduce infections, inflammatory complications • Reduce, inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines

  11. . . . Management • Oral hygiene • Diet (minimize contact with food) • Local anesthetics • Systemic analgesics

  12. Summary Use comprehensive assessment and pathophysiology-based therapy to treat the cause and improve the cancer experience

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