Current practices for management of oral mucositis in cancer patients.

Many anticancer therapies induce oral mucositis, diminishing the patient's quality of life. Especially in neutropenic patients, it can lead to life-threatening systemic infection. Moreover, it can become a limiting factor in intensive treatment schedules. Many interventions are aimed at reducing trauma and the risk of secondary infection. The institution of good oral hygiene seems to play a crucial part and can be achieved manually or by means of antiseptic agents. More specific antimicrobial therapy may be indicated. In addition, local and/or systemic pain control may be required. The administration of hematological growth factors, cryoprotectants and other agents or measures that may be of help in the management of mucositis are discussed.