Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (CID) became first apparent during clinical studies on the combination of 5-FU with leucovorin and, furthermore, with irinotecan in the treatment of metastatic colorectal carcinoma. Bowel dysfunctions, such as diarrhea and constipation, can be a disturbing side effect in chemotherapy that may result not only in significant physical and emotional distress for the patients and care givers, but also in diminished therapeutic efficacy due to dose limitations and treatment interruptions. Besides leucocytopenia, granulocytopenia and thrombocytopenia, CID is considered one of the main dose-limiting toxicities associated with chemotherapy agents, especially in treatment regimens for colorectal cancer and can even be life-threatening. Early recognition and treatment can prevent the morbidity and mortality associated with CID. The most commonly used assessment tool is the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria for Grading the Severity of Diarrhea. In this review, we will concentrate on the modern management of CID. Traditional pharmacological management of CID has included mainly non-specific agents. For patients who are refractory to non-specific therapy, there are more sophisticated, specific therapeutic agents available.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
