Immunopathogenesis of Oral Mucositis Induced by Chemotherapy and/or Radiotherapy: State of Art

Abstract

| Introduction:Oral mucositis is a common and worrying clinical condition in patients undergoing radiotherapy of the head and neck regions and aggressive chemotherapy. Mucosits manifests as a continuous process, which begins with erythematous and atrophic lesions that can progress to very painful ulcers. The immunopathogenesis of oral mucositis is considered a complex cascade of biological events, and advances on its understanding might result in promising and effective therapies. Objectives: The aim of this study is to highlight the recent findings of the immunopathogenesis of oral mucositis induced by chemotherapy and / or radiotherapy and their possible therapeutic agents. Material and methods: Scientific articles were selected in Pubmed and LILACS basis from December 2015 to May 2016, using the key words in English "mucositis etiopathogenesis" and "mucositis". Were found in Pubmed 107 articles and LILACS 61. The articles were selected after reading and were chosen those which reported detail on the immunopathology of oral mucositis, and an update on the biological causes of this clinical condition. Results and conclusion: The literature indicates that histopathological changes related to oral mucositis, including apoptotic phenomenon, the action of certain chemical mediators and the influence of the oral cavity microbiota promote a better understanding of the immunopathogenesis of this type of injury and their biological development. Therefore, additional clinical studies based on scientific evidence are needed to get a better understanding of the immunopathology of oral mucositis and the determination of preventive agents and effective therapeutic for this deleterious effect arising from antineoplastic treatment.

Mucoadhesive Films of Liquorice and Chlorhexidine Gluconate for Treating Mouth Ulcers

“…They are caused by lesions in the epithelial lining of the oral cavity. 2 They appear to be round, white or grey, often swollen and red on the edges. Such lesions can appear on the inside of the cheeks, inside of the lips, underneath the tongue, or on the soft palate.…”