Painful ulcerations can occur throughout the GI tract, from the lips to the anus. Agents that are commonly associated with stomatitis include bleomycin, doxorubicin, 5-FU, and methotrexate. The dose and schedule of these drugs influence the severity of toxicity. Management Prevention with good dental care, salt and mouthwash, and chewing ice during chemotherapy can help diminish stomatitis. A variety of oral analgesics can be utilized for more severe cases.
Diarrhea occurs quite frequently during chemotherapy and can stem from a number of causes.
In most cases, the diarrhea is self-limiting and resolves within several days once the drugs are withheld. Irinotecan can cause a profound secretory diarrhea that has both acute and chronic phases. This publication is available in print. Inc. All rights reserved.