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Prevention of radiation-induced mucositis

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Abstract

Radiation-induced mucositis is an important dose-limiting acute side effect associated with the treatment of tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract. The toxicity of radiation therapy increases with prior or concurrent administration of some chemotherapeutic agents. Pretreatment eradication of infection, maintenance of oral hygiene, and treatment breaks, as necessary, have been the mainstay of the therapeutic options for patients with radiation-induced mucositis. Recent research has begun to clarify the pathophysiology of radiation-induced mucositis. This suggests that new, more effective agents for both prevention and treatment may be forthcoming in the near future. Currently, no highly effective and widely accepted prevention or treatment exists.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, The Eye and Ear Institute, 200 Lothrop Street, Suite 500, 15213, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Jonas T. Johnson MD

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  1. Jonas T. Johnson MD
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Johnson, J.T. Prevention of radiation-induced mucositis. Curr Oncol Rep 3, 56–58 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-001-0043-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-001-0043-2

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