Biological therapies and management of oral mucosal disease

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology and Pharmacology
• Immunology and Oncology
• Oral Medicine

Background:

• Biologic drugs are advanced therapeutics derived from living organisms, primarily monoclonal antibodies and receptor antagonists.
• These agents target specific cytokines or cells, significantly impacting cancer and immune-mediated inflammatory disease management.
• General dental practitioners increasingly encounter patients using biologics for various systemic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the spectrum of biologic agents and their systemic indications.
• To elaborate on the application of biologics in managing oral mucosal diseases.
• To discuss the potential disadvantages associated with biologic drug use in dentistry.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of biologic drug classes and their mechanisms of action.
• Analysis of systemic conditions treated with biologics, with emphasis on those relevant to dental patients.
• Review of current evidence and clinical considerations for using biologics in oral mucosal diseases.

Main Results:

• Biologics have transformed treatment paradigms for malignancies like head and neck cancers and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
• These medications play a crucial role in managing immune-mediated oral mucosal conditions.
• Understanding the systemic effects and oral implications of biologics is essential for safe patient care.

Conclusions:

• Biologic drugs represent a significant advancement in modern medicine with broad systemic applications.
• Dental professionals must be knowledgeable about biologic agents to effectively manage patients requiring dental care.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the benefits and risks of biologics in oral medicine.