SEMINAR ANNOUNCEMENT

Chemotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis: An Update

by

Dr Alexandre Chan
Pharm.D., BCPS
University of California
Davis Medical Center

on

Synopsis:

The oral mucosa is composed of rapidly dividing cells that are highly sensitive to the effects of cytotoxic chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can cause damage to oral mucosa producing direct inflammation that is often referred to as Chemotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis, or CIOM. Almost all patients with head and neck cancer, or undergo hematopoietic stem cell transplantation develop oral mucositis after radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Usually, mucositis is self-limited when uncomplicated by infection and typically heals within 2 to 4 weeks after cessation of cytotoxic chemotherapy. The effect of CIOM on quality of life has been shown to be substantial, particularly with regard to nutritional, social and psychological functioning. A formal guideline was recently published to inform clinicians on the management of cancer therapy-induced oral and gastrointestinal mucositis. This presentation will provide the audience an update on the latest medications to manage CIOM, and the current strategies to manage CIOM in the clinical setting.

ALL ARE WELCOME