The role of the throat flora in the response of tissue to radiotherapy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The microbiota of the oropharynx: Does it play a role in the response of normal tissues to radiotherapy?
IRAS ID
154661
Contact name
Gavin Humphreys
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Research summary
Oropharyngeal mucositis is a major dose limiting toxicity in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy for the treatment of head and neck cancer. Patients typically present with painful inflammation and ulceration of the oral cavity and oropharynx (throat) which often leads to problems with swallowing (with consequent dehydration, weight loss, and the need for nutritional support), treatment interruptions and hospitalisation. The management of mucositis substantially increases the costs of cancer treatment, therefore there is an urgent need to devise effective treatments to prevent or reduce the incidence and severity of mucositis. The exact cause of mucositis is unclear. Underlying mechanisms are thought to include activation of certain immune responses which may lead to damage of the tissue surface. More recently it has been proposed that the microbiota may play a role in the development and severity of mucositis. Therefore the purpose of this translational pilot study is to determine whether the bacterial composition (microbiota) of the oropharynx (throat) at the time of radio/chemotherapy treatment reflects the magnitude of the tissue response (i.e.) does the presence of certain bacteria in the throat correlate with the degree of mucosal inflammation during treatment.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/YH/1081
Date of REC Opinion
15 Jul 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion