Abstract
Purpose of research: Revision of the literature on targeted therapy-induced diarrhea (TT-ID). Principal results: TT-ID is frequent; the mechanisms are mainly secretive, followed by ischemic or autoimmune ones. The duration of TT-ID is protracted over time. Its intensity is of grade G1-G3 but may be fatal in patients with diffuse colitis or on ipilimumab. However, no specific guidelines are available on management of different grades of TT-ID. Preventive measures with antibiotics, probiotics or activated charcoal should be further investigated. Loperamide is the first choice drug followed by octreotide. The role of corticosteroids is controversial. Conclusion: Early assessment and management of TT-ID is essential to prevent the worsening of this side-effect, patients' hospitalization and dose reduction or oncological treatment discontinuation. Future research is needed to better understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of TT-ID and it should also be investigated whether a specific pharmacological and/or non pharmachological approach is indicated.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 165-179 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology |
Volume | 90 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2014 |
Keywords
- Assessment
- Diarrhea
- Incidence
- Targeted therapy
- Treatment
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Oncology
- Hematology
- Geriatrics and Gerontology
- Medicine(all)