Attempts to Understand Oral Mucositis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients through Omics Studies: A Narrative Review

Authors

Erin Marie D San Valentin
Kim-Anh Do
Sai-Ching J Yeung
Cielito C Reyes-Gibby

Publication Date

11-30-2023

Journal

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Abstract

Oral mucositis (OM) is a common and clinically impactful side effect of cytotoxic cancer treatment, particularly in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) who undergo radiotherapy with or without concomitant chemotherapy. The etiology and pathogenic mechanisms of OM are complex, multifaceted and elicit both direct and indirect damage to the mucosa. In this narrative review, we describe studies that use various omics methodologies (genomics, transcriptomics, microbiomics and metabolomics) in attempts to elucidate the biological pathways associated with the development or severity of OM. Integrating different omics into multi-omics approaches carries the potential to discover links among host factors (genomics), host responses (transcriptomics, metabolomics), and the local environment (microbiomics).

Keywords

Humans, Stomatitis, Head and Neck Neoplasms, Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck, Antineoplastic Agents, Mucositis

Comments

Supplementary Materials

PMID: 38069314