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World J Gastroenterol. Apr 14, 2014; 20(14): 3751-3761
Published online Apr 14, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i14.3751
Gastro-intestinal toxicity of chemotherapeutics in colorectal cancer: The role of inflammation
Chun Seng Lee, Elizabeth J Ryan, Glen A Doherty
Chun Seng Lee, Elizabeth J Ryan, Glen A Doherty, Centre for Colorectal Disease, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland
Chun Seng Lee, Elizabeth J Ryan, Glen A Doherty, School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
Author contributions: Lee CS reviewed the literature and wrote the manuscript; Ryan EJ and Doherty GA edited and revised the manuscript; All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Supported by A Newman Fellowship awarded by the University College Dublin Foundation and sponsored by Helsinn-Birex Pharmaceuticals
Correspondence to: Dr. Glen A Doherty, Centre for Colorectal Disease, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland. glen.doherty@ucd.ie
Telephone: +353-1-2214711 Fax: +353-1-2214177
Received: October 15, 2013
Revised: January 16, 2014
Accepted: February 26, 2014
Published online: April 14, 2014
Abstract

Chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (CID) is a common and often severe side effect experienced by colorectal cancer (CRC) patients during their treatment. As chemotherapy regimens evolve to include more efficacious agents, CID is increasingly becoming a major cause of dose limiting toxicity and merits further investigation. Inflammation is a key factor behind gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity of chemotherapy. Different chemotherapeutic agents activate a diverse range of pro-inflammatory pathways culminating in distinct histopathological changes in the small intestine and colonic mucosa. Here we review the current understanding of the mechanisms behind GI toxicity and the mucositis associated with systemic treatment of CRC. Insights into the inflammatory response activated during this process gained from various models of GI toxicity are discussed. The inflammatory processes contributing to the GI toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents are increasingly being recognised as having an important role in the development of anti-tumor immunity, thus conferring added benefit against tumor recurrence and improving patient survival. We review the basic mechanisms involved in the promotion of immunogenic cell death and its relevance in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Finally, the impact of CID on patient outcomes and therapeutic strategies to prevent or minimise the effect of GI toxicity and mucositis are discussed.

Keywords: Chemotherapy, Diarrhea, Side-effects, Immunogenic cell death, Pro-inflammatory cytokines

Core tip: Many new drugs are available for use in the treatment of colorectal cancer, resulting in improved prognosis, but also more frequent and severe side-effects. In order to implement complex chemotherapy regimens most effectively, a greater understanding of the underlying mechanisms of associated toxicities are required. Different chemotherapeutic agents activate a diverse range of pro-inflammatory pathways culminating in distinct histopathological changes in intestinal mucosa. However, inflammation also has beneficial effects; enhancing anti-tumor immunity. A better understanding of how to manage the gastrointestinal side-effects of chemotherapy allowing for optimal dosing and induction of immunity will further improve outcomes in colorectal cancer.