A BSTRACT Head and neck cancers represent a significant proportion of global cancer cases, with particularly high incidence rates reported in Asia. Among these, oral cancer is notably impactful, not only compromising physical health but also markedly diminishing patients’ quality of life. Despite substantial progress in cancer treatment modalities, oral mucositis (OM) remains a persistent and challenging adverse effect. OM, frequently induced by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, leads to considerable pain and discomfort, complicating the overall treatment experience for patients. This paper presents a comprehensive and current review of the strategies for managing and treating oral mucositis associated with cancer therapies. A systematic literature search was carried out using databases, such as PubMed, SCOPUS, the Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect, employing keywords pertinent to oral mucositis and its therapeutic approaches. The incidence and severity of OM are influenced by multiple factors, including the specific chemotherapeutic agents used, treatment dosage and cycles, radiation parameters, combined therapeutic approaches, and individual patient responses. Addressing oral mucositis effectively necessitates a multidisciplinary strategy, integrating nutritional support, analgesia, maintenance of oral hygiene, management of xerostomia, and appropriate pharmacological interventions. This review outlines various treatment modalities, encompassing topical therapies, systemic agents, and complementary approaches. Prompt and effective intervention is essential, as OM can severely impair a patient’s ability to continue cancer treatment and lead to a significant decline in quality of life. By adopting an integrated management framework, healthcare providers can significantly reduce the burden of OM, thereby enhancing patient comfort and treatment outcomes.
Denny et al. (Fri,) studied this question.