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Host-Microbiome Cross-talk in Oral Mucositis
R M Vasconcelos1, N Sanfilippo2, B J Paster3
1School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, USA College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil.
Journal of Dental Research
|April 8, 2016
Summary
Oral mucositis (OM), a painful side effect of cancer treatment, involves microbial interactions that impact healing. Further research is needed to understand these host-microbial dynamics for better therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Oral mucositis (OM) is a frequent and severe toxicity of cancer treatments, characterized by ulcerations.
- These ulcers are prone to microbial colonization, with microbial virulence factors potentially exacerbating OM development and delaying healing.
- Current understanding of host-microbial interactions in OM pathogenesis remains incomplete.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the intricate relationship between the clinical course of oral mucositis.
- To analyze local inflammatory changes (clinical and molecular) during OM.
- To understand the dynamic shifts in the oral microbiota during OM.
Main Methods:
- Requires comprehensive and disciplined clinical investigation.
- Characterization of clinical trajectory of OM.
- Assessment of local inflammatory markers and oral microbiota composition.
Main Results:
- Host-microbial interactions are critical in OM development and progression.
- Virulence factors from microorganisms contribute to OM severity and impaired healing.
- Further clinical investigation is essential to elucidate these complex relationships.
Conclusions:
- Understanding host-microbial interactions is key to developing novel therapeutic approaches for OM.
- Targeted clinical strategies can be developed by elucidating the mechanisms of the oral immune system in response to mucositis.
- Further research will facilitate interventions targeting susceptible tissues and time points.
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