How oral bacteria affect outcomes in children receiving blood stem cell transplants
Official title: Effects of the oral microbiome on Adverse Outcomes of Pediatric Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11168608 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in kids' mouths, especially those with cavities, can affect their health during and after a special treatment called hematopoietic cell transplantation, and it hopes to find ways to help these kids stay healthier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | April 8, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $205,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DE035002-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11168608 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are scheduled to undergo hematopoietic cell transplantation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have dental caries or are not undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of the oral microbiome on the health of children undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). It focuses on understanding how the presence of dental caries, a common childhood condition, may lead to serious complications such as bloodstream infections during and after the transplant process. The study will analyze the relationship between dental health and the movement of oral bacteria into the bloodstream, as well as the overall microbiome changes in these patients. By examining these factors, the research aims to identify potential interventions that could improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing infections and enhancing recovery in pediatric patients undergoing HCT.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated a link between oral health and systemic infections, suggesting that this research builds on established findings, though the specific focus on pediatric HCT is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Den Besten, Pamela K — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Den Besten, Pamela K
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.