Mucositis as a biological process: a new hypothesis for the development of chemotherapy-induced stomatotoxicity

摘要: Mucositis induced by antineoplastic drugs is an important, dose-limiting and costly side effect of cancer therapy. The ulcerative lesions which result are frequent systemic portals entry for microorganisms inhabit the mouth consequently often sources infection in myelosuppressed patient. A number clinical observations inconsistency responses to a broad range treatment modalities suggests physiological complexity mucositis has not previously been comprehensively considered. We now propose hypothesis as mechanism develops resolves, based on four phases: initial inflammatory/vascular phase; epithelial ulcerative/bacteriological healing phase. role cytokines initiators ampliers process discussed, potential influence genetic factors establishing risk modifying course stomatotoxicity.