Breakdown of Symbiosis in Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis

• Published in: Journal of fungi (Basel) Vol. 7; no. 4; p. 290
• Main Authors: Ingrosso, Gianluca, Saldi, Simonetta, Marani, Simona, Wong, Alicia Y W, Bertelli, Matteo, Aristei, Cynthia, Zelante, Teresa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 12.04.2021; MDPI
• Subjects: Analgesics; Apoptosis; Bacteria; Candida albicans; Coevolution; Colonization; Commensals; Connective tissue; Erythema; Fungal infections; Gram-positive bacteria; Head & neck cancer; Inflammation; lactobacilli; Medicin och hälsovetenskap; Microbiomes; Microbiota; Microorganisms; Mucositis; Narcotics; oral mucositis; Pain; Probiotics; Radiation therapy; Review; Risk factors; Symbiosis; Candida albicans; microbiota; oral mucositis; lactobacilli; radiation therapy; fungal infections
• ISSN: 2309-608X; 2309-608X
• DOI: 10.3390/jof7040290

Oral mucositis is an acute side effect of radiation therapy that is especially common with head and neck cancer treatment. In recent years, several studies have revealed the predisposing factors for mucositis, leading to the pre-treatment of patients to deter the development of opportunistic oral fungal infections. Although many clinical protocols already advise the use of probiotics to counteract inflammation and fungal colonization, preclinical studies are needed to better delineate the mechanisms by which a host may acquire benefits via co-evolution with oral microbiota, probiotics, and fungal commensals, such as , especially during acute inflammation. Here, we review the current understanding of radiation therapy-dependent oral mucositis in terms of pathology, prevention, treatment, and related opportunistic infections, with a final focus on the oral microbiome and how it may be important for future therapy.