Diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal complications in adult cancer patients: evidence-based guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Oncology (DGHO)

Ann Oncol. 2013 May;24(5):1189-202. doi: 10.1093/annonc/mdt001. Epub 2013 Feb 10.

Abstract

Background: Cancer patients frequently suffer from gastrointestinal complications. However, a comprehensive, practical and evidence-based guideline on this issue is not yet available.

Patients and methods: An expert group was put together by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Oncology (DGHO) to develop a guideline on gastrointestinal complications in cancer patients. For each subtopic, a literature search was carried out in PubMed, Medline and Cochrane databases and the strength of recommendation and the quality of the published evidence for major therapeutic strategies were categorized using a modification of the 'Infectious Diseases Society of America' criteria. Consensus discussions were held on each of the topics.

Results: Recommendations were made with respect to non-infectious and infectious gastrointestinal complications. For all recommendations, the strength of the recommendation and the level of evidence are presented.

Conclusion: This guideline is an evidence-based approach to the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal complications in cancer patients.

Publication types

  • Consensus Development Conference
  • Practice Guideline
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Diarrhea / etiology
  • Diarrhea / microbiology
  • Diarrhea / therapy
  • Enterocolitis / etiology
  • Enterocolitis / therapy
  • Fever / etiology
  • Fever / therapy
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / etiology*
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / complications*
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Neutropenia / etiology
  • Neutropenia / therapy

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents