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Cancer

Targeted Prevention of Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis with Glutathione-Modified Liposome-Coated K12 Probiotics

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital in Chengdu, China, have developed an innovative oral probiotic, K12@Lip@GSH, to overcome the challenges of radiation-induced oral mucositis (RIOM) in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy. This groundbreaking approach encapsulates K12 within liposomes to enhance stability and scavenging efficacy, utilizing a glutathione (GSH) transporter-mediated targeting mechanism that exploits the favorable overexpression of GSH transporters in RIOM. Evaluations conducted in RIOM mouse models demonstrated favorable outcomes, including reduced ulcer size, increased epithelial cellularity, and enhanced epithelial proliferation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Researchers developed an innovative oral probiotic, K12@Lip@GSH, to target radiation-induced oral mucositis (RIOM) in cancer patients.
  • K12@Lip@GSH encapsulates K12 within liposomes to enhance stability and scavenging efficacy.
  • The probiotic utilizes a glutathione (GSH) transporter-mediated targeting mechanism that exploits the favorable overexpression of GSH transporters in RIOM.
  • Evaluations conducted in RIOM mouse models demonstrated reduced ulcer size, increased epithelial cellularity, and enhanced epithelial proliferation.
  • Genomic analysis indicated improvements in mRNA pathways associated with the recovery from RIOM.
  • The probiotic restored the balance of oral microbiota and reduced the abundance of oral anaerobes in RIOM mice.
  • Clinical trial data demonstrated a manageable safety profile with infrequent treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) in 4.5% of participants.
  • The incidence of severe OM (grade 4) was 0.0%, and no interruptions in radiotherapy treatment occurred due to OM.

Statistics:

  • 59.1% of patients experienced oral mucositis (OM) in the clinical trial.
  • 4.5% of participants experienced treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs).
  • 0.0% of patients had severe oral mucositis (grade 4).
  • 22 patients were enrolled in the clinical trial.
  • 22 patients received the K12@Lip@GSH probiotic.

Sources:

  • Materials Today Bio, 2025;34:102142
  • "Targeted prevention of radiation-induced oral mucositis by glutathione-modified liposome coated K12 probiotics and clinical study"
  • Dan He, Dept. of Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, 610051, People's Republic of China
  • ZhiHui Li, Ye Zhang, Zhou Shi, Quanjin Tang, Zixia Li, Xingchen Peng, Dong Li, and Daijun Zhou.

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