Sucralfate: Prophylaxis of Mucosal Damage During Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Background: Chemotherapy and radiotherapy of different malignancies may be complicated by a variety of side effects, some of which may be related mucosal damage. Results: There is increasing evidence that sucralfate reduces the severity of radiation-induced mucositis in the head and neck, esophagus, and the lower gastrointestinal tract. Sucralfate also seems to protect the skin during radiotherapy and to reduce chemotherapy-induced mucositis. Conclusion: Further studies could be of interest to define the clinical significance of sucralfate in reducing the mucosal damage and increasing quality of life during an following cancer therapy.

Key Words:

• Carcinoma
• chemotherapy
• mucositis
• radiotherapy
• sucralfate