Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral probiotic Streptococcus salivarius M18 on head and neck cancer patients post-radiotherapy: a pilot study.

Xerostomia detrimentally affects the oral health of many head and neck cancer patients who undergo radiotherapy. Its sequelae become an ongoing burden for patients that often manifest as periodontal disease and dental decay. Bacteria play a major role in the pathogenesis of these conditions and here we explore the use of an oral probiotic to beneficially modulate the oral bacterial community post-radiotherapy.

Oral microbial influences on oral mucositis during radiotherapy treatment of head and neck cancer.

Purpose: Oral mucositis (OM) remains a significant complication developed by many patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) to the head and neck region. Emerging data suggest oral microbes may contribute to the onset and severity of this acute side effect.

Methods: In this study, saliva and oral swabs from head and neck cancer patients undergoing RT were collected.

Microbial and inflammatory-based salivary biomarkers of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients often present with poor oral health, making it difficult to assess the relationship between oral microbes, inflammation, and carcinoma. This study investigates salivary microbes and inflammatory cytokines as biomarkers for HNSCC, with consideration of oral health. Saliva was collected from 30 participants, including 14 HNSCC patients and 16 participants representing both dentally compromised and healthy individuals.

Evaluating the Impact of DNA Extraction Method on the Representation of Human Oral Bacterial and Fungal Communities.

The application of high-throughput, next-generation sequencing technologies has greatly improved our understanding of the human oral microbiome. While deciphering this diverse microbial community using such approaches is more accurate than traditional culture-based methods, experimental bias introduced during critical steps such as DNA extraction may compromise the results obtained. Here, we systematically evaluate four commonly used microbial DNA extraction methods (MoBio PowerSoil® DNA Isolation Kit, QIAamp® DNA Mini Kit, Zymo Bacterial/Fungal DNA Mini PrepTM, phenol:chloroform-based DNA isolation) based on the following criteria: DNA quality and yield, and microbial community structure based on Illumina amplicon sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene of bacteria and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1 region of fungi.

Human papillomavirus and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: a New Zealand cohort study.

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC) are clinically, epidemiologically and prognostically distinct from other OPSCCs. The incidence of HPV-related OPSCCs has increased significantly worldwide over the past few decades. However, no studies of OPSCC with direct molecular HPV testing has been conducted in New Zealand.

Observations of benefit finding in head and neck cancer patients.

The management of head and neck cancer (HNC) can lead to potentially severe physical, functional and psychological disturbances. As a result, many HNC patients develop symptoms of depression following diagnosis and treatment. Finding benefit in a disease and its treatment can reduce the symptoms of depression and enhance quality of life (QOL).

Treatment of parotid ductal stenosis and concomitant resolution of autonomic symptomatology.

Salivary retention and recurrent sialadenitis as a result of ductal stenosis is an uncommon condition that presents difficult management problems. Ductal dilation with small angioplasty balloons is recognized to be of low morbidity and can eliminate the possible need for surgical intervention. This case report is interesting in that the successful treatment of parotid duct stenosis was accompanied by the resolution of a spectrum of autonomic symptoms that had seriously compromised the patient's quality of life.

Xerostomia and you.

The aims of management of patients with xerostomia include the provision of a definitive aetiology and diagnosis, and a prognosis for the salivary dysfunction. Salivary flow assessment and function testing, other relevant laboratory tests, and even referrals should be performed as necessary. Management of the condition depends on diagnosis and severity, and includes enhancement of salivary flow, oral lubrication, control of soft-tissue infections and discomfort, and prevention of dental caries.