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Irradiation mucositis: a reappraisal
1Clinical Dental Sciences, University of Liverpool, UK.
European Journal of Cancer. Part B, Oral Oncology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Irradiation mucositis, an unavoidable side effect of cancer therapy, may be preventable. Studies suggest abnormal oral Gram-negative bacteria carriage causes this condition, offering a new prevention strategy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Oral Medicine
- Microbiology
Background:
- Irradiation mucositis is a common and often unavoidable complication of anticancer therapy.
- Current understanding regards it as an inevitable consequence of radiation treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential link between oral microbial carriage and the development of irradiation mucositis.
- To explore novel strategies for the prevention or amelioration of this debilitating side effect.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of oral microbial flora in patients undergoing radiation therapy.
- Correlation of Gram-negative bacillary load with mucositis severity.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests a strong association between abnormal Gram-negative bacillary carriage in the oral cavity and the incidence of irradiation mucositis.
- Altering this microbial balance may impact mucositis development.
Conclusions:
- Irradiation mucositis may not be an unavoidable consequence of radiation therapy.
- Targeting and managing abnormal oral Gram-negative bacteria presents a promising avenue for preventing or reducing the severity of irradiation mucositis.