When caused by chemotherapy, mucositis is usually due to the low white blood cell count; when caused by radiation, mucositis is usually due to the necrotic and inflammatory effect of radiation energy on oral mucosa.
Which chemotherapy drugs cause mucositis?
The chemotherapy drugs that have been reported to cause mucositis in 30% or more of patients are:
- Actinomycin (Cosmegen)
- Busulfan (Myleran®, Busulfex®)
- Cytarabine (Cytosar-U®)
- Daunorubicin (Cerubidine®)
- Docetaxel (Taxotere®)
- Doxorubicin (Adriamycin®, Rubex®)
- Epirubicin (Ellence®)
- Floxuridine (FUDR®)
What can cause mucositis?
Who gets mucositis?
- Radiation to the head, neck, or chest areas.
- Bone marrow or stem cell transplant.
- Certain chemotherapy medications. Ask your provider if the chemotherapy you receive causes mucositis.
- Total body irradiation.
