Understanding oral thrush in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
Host and microbial risk factors of oral thrush in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy
This project looks at why some cancer patients get oral thrush during chemotherapy, focusing on factors from their body and the germs in their mouth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11090486 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Oral thrush, also known as oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), is a common and uncomfortable infection for many cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. We want to understand why some patients are more likely to get this infection than others. Our team will look at how a patient's immune system and the types of bacteria in their mouth might contribute to developing thrush. By studying patients before and during their chemotherapy, we hope to identify specific risk factors that make them more vulnerable to this condition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this type of research would be cancer patients who are about to start or are currently undergoing chemotherapy and are at risk for or have developed oral thrush.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing chemotherapy or do not experience oral thrush would likely not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better ways to predict, prevent, or treat oral thrush, improving comfort and quality of life for cancer patients during chemotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary pilot studies using a similar clinical model have identified host characteristics and oral microbiome composition as potential risk factors for oral thrush.
Where this research is happening
Amherst, United States
- State University of New York at Buffalo — Amherst, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Diaz, Patricia — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Diaz, Patricia
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 below.