The gastrointestinal complications of oncologic therapy.

Robert S Bresalier, Mehnaz A Shafi

Journal: Gastroenterology clinics of North America 2011;39(3):629-47

PMID: 20951921

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

A spectrum of oncologic treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and molecular targeted therapies is available to combat cancer. These treatments are associated with adverse effects in several organ systems including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The immunocompromised state induced by oncologic therapy is also an important contributing factor underlying GI complications. This review discusses common GI complications that can result from cancer therapy. The pathologic mechanisms underlying each complication and the pharmacology of the agents used to treat these complications are discussed.

Address: Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA.

DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2010.08.004

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MeSH Terms: Antineoplastic Agents, Constipation, Diarrhea, Enterocolitis, Neutropenic, Esophagitis, Graft vs Host Disease, Hepatitis, Humans, Nausea, Neoplasms, Proctitis, Radiotherapy, Vomiting