Novel therapies

OBJECTIVE: To highlight selected research directed to new drug and device technologies to manage mucositis in cancer patients and to illustrate potential impact of successful therapies. DATA SOURCES: Published research articles and abstracts, clinical experience. CONCLUSION: Advances in molecular modeling of mucosal injury in cancer patients have created new opportunities for therapy. Research is analyzing the impact of single-agent interventions; varying degrees of efficacy are being reported. Once optimal dosing strategies for single-agent management are defined, the opportunity for multi-agent therapies will emerge. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: The oncology nurse plays a pivotal role in assessing and managing mucositis in cancer patients.