Cancer and GI Mucositis

Radiation and chemotherapy are important oncology treatments, but affect off-target organs and can injure the mucosal membrane of gastrointestinal (GI) tract.  These therapies break down the epithelial cells lining the GI tract, leaving the mucosal tissue open to ulceration, inflammation, and infection.

As a side effect of their cancer treatment, patients may experience a wide array of debilitating symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, or gut infections caused by damage to the stomach and intestines.  These symptoms reduce the patient’s tolerance for therapy and are the most common dose limiting factor in cancer radiation therapy.