Modifications of the microflora of the oral cavity arising during immunosuppressive chemotherapy

Infections are a major cause of mortality among immunosuppressed cancer patients. The oral cavity is a possible reservoir for those microorganisms, both commensal and acquired, whose virulence is exacerbated in the immunosuppressed patient. The mouth consists of multiple habitats offering ecological niches to a variety of organisms. The object of this article is to review the literature devoted to quantitative and qualitative variations in the flora of the oral cavity during immunosuppressive treatment of cancer patients. Examination of these different studies reveals modifications of the commensal flora, as well as an increase in Gram negative rods, in staphylococci and in yeasts. These data confirm the necessity for constant surveillance of the oral cavity during chemotherapy.