Pathogenesis of radiation-induced stomatitis / 国际肿瘤学杂志

ABSTRACT

Radiation-induced stomatitis is a frequent side effect for head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, which affects both the treatment and the life quality. The direct effects of radiation, oxidative stress, transcription factor, proinflammatory cytokine and pathogenic microorganism are involved in the onset of radiation-induced stomatitis. The pathologic process can be divided into five phases including initiation, up-regulation, amplification, ulceration and healing. Understanding of the pathogenesis and risk factors provides basis for prevention and control of radiation-induced stomatitis.