New Strategies for the Prevention and Reduction of Cancer Treatment-Induced Diarrhea

OBJECTIVES: To describe possible new strategies for the prevention of CTID. DATA SOURCES : Abstracts presented at oncology meetings, primary and secondary literature, trial protocols, and clinical experience. CONCLUSION: Patients who have experienced an episode of diarrhea are at high risk for developing diarrhea with additional cycles of chemotherapy or radiation. One preventive strategy that holds out promise is the use of octreotide LAR as prophylaxis. This strategy should be considered for patients with a prior cycle complicated by persistent (lasting more than 48 hours) diarrhea of any severity, or by diarrhea of grades 3 and higher. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: With preventive intervention and aggressive management of breakthrough symptoms, CTID may no longer pose a significant threat to patient comfort and well-being.