Oral mucositis is a serious, debilitating and painful complication of cancer treatment. It affects patients' quality of life, nutritional status and impairs speech and swallowing. It can also affect adherence to treatment. Despite the prevalence of oral mucositis, treatment options are limited and are typically not based on clinical trial evidence. Accurate assessment, monitoring of patients and comprehensive education are essential in the management of oral mucositis. This article discusses implications for treating oral mucositis for the prescriber are discussed. Comprehensive guidelines are provided by the Multinational Association of Supportive Cancer Care and International Society of Oral Oncology (MASCC/ISOO). Further robust research is required into the prevention and management of oral mucositis.

Elizabeth Meade - Registered advanced nurse practitioner in oncology, Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, HSE Dublin Mid Leinster