The Finnish oral health innovation, Lumoral, has sparked significant interest in the academic community, with several new studies launching in recent months. Mikko Kylmänen, Research Manager at Koite Health Oy, provides updates on Lumoral's latest clinical research.

Currently, there are 11 ongoing clinical studies across Finland, Sweden, Estonia, and Lithuania investigating the Lumoral method. Five of these are funded by Koite Health Ltd, while the rest are conducted by independent academic research teams. The studies cover topics such as periodontitis, peri-implantitis, orthodontics, oral lichen planus, and the prevention of oral diseases in youth.

In 2024, two new academic research teams will start their Lumoral studies. One study will examine the impact of improved oral hygiene on managing and preventing periodontitis in patients with diabetes. Another study will focus on enhancing oral hygiene for elderly individuals living at home or receiving home care.

In Italy, two research groups are advancing their Lumoral studies: The University of Turin is investigating the prevention of oral mucositis symptoms caused by radiation therapy, and Sapienza University in Rome is studying methods to alleviate early symptoms of peri-implantitis. Additionally, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals in Chennai, India, is planning to start a Lumoral study in 2024 focused on treating oral mucositis related to cancer therapies.

Research on oral mucositis is particularly significant, as no existing medication has successfully prevented its development. Mucositis, an inflammation of the oral mucosa associated with cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy, causes severe pain, redness, and swelling, which can negatively impact the success of cancer treatment. Recent findings suggest that light-activated antibacterial therapy may be an effective way to manage this condition.

Recent Lumoral Studies Initiated in Early 2024:

1. HEALTHIER (Sweden): This study evaluates Lumoral's effectiveness in treating peri-implantitis and is conducted at the private Södertandläkarna clinic in Stockholm, Sweden, with 80 participants.
2. LumOsteo: This research examines Lumoral's role in preventing complications related to implant placement. It is being conducted at the Hammaslääkärit Eteläranta 10 clinic in Helsinki, Finland, with 40 participants.
3. Tartu University Plaque Study (Estonia): This crossover study compares two different oral hygiene methods and their effects on oral health. It is taking place at Tartu University in Estonia, where participants will alternate between using Lumoral and not using it to provide comparative results.

The HEALTHIER and LumOsteo studies are in their early stages, and precise timelines for results depend on factors such as patient recruitment. However, results from the Tartu plaque study are expected by the end of the year.

Summary of Previous Research Findings:

• Pilot Study on Peri-Implantitis (2022): Showed promising results in treating implant-related inflammations with Lumoral, including significant reductions in plaque and gum bleeding without side effects.
• Case Report on Periodontitis (2022): Demonstrated that Lumoral's antibacterial light treatment effectively eliminated harmful oral bacteria and improved severe periodontal disease outcomes.
• Clinical Randomized Study on Periodontitis (2022): Indicated significant improvements in periodontitis treatment outcomes when Lumoral was added to daily care.
• Clinical Randomized Study on Peri-Implantitis (2022): Observed reduced plaque, bleeding, and gum pocket sizes in Lumoral users compared to controls.
• Randomized Study on Oral Hygiene in Elderly Care (2023): Found that light-activated Lumoral treatment improved oral health and moisture in elderly individuals residing in 24-hour care facilities.
• Plaque Study in Healthy Adults (2023): Revealed that using Lumoral twice a week significantly reduced biofilm compared to a control group.

Innovation in Focus:

The ongoing and completed studies highlight Lumoral's versatile applications in improving oral health across various demographics and conditions. Mikko Kylmänen emphasizes that Lumoral's research opens new opportunities in oral care development. The company is proud to advance health and well-being through innovative solutions and looks forward to potential future applications of Lumoral.

For more information on Lumoral's research and effects, visit www.lumoralpro.com.

Oral mucositis, an inflammation of the oral mucosa, often occurs in association with cancer treatments, particularly radiation and chemotherapy. It manifests as severe pain, redness, and swelling in the patient's mouth, potentially impacting the success of cancer therapy. To date, no existing medication has effectively prevented the development of mucositis. Recent research suggests that antibacterial dual light therapy may be an effective method to manage the symptoms of this condition.

Traditional approaches to treating oral mucositis include preventive measures such as maintaining good oral hygiene and using ice therapy during chemotherapy. If bacterial infection is present, the use of antibiotics may be considered by the physician. Corticosteroids are also a treatment option to alleviate pain and the inflammatory response associated with mucositis. However, corticosteroid use poses risks, as it can suppress the immune system, making cancer patients more susceptible to infections.

Ongoing research explores novel methods for preventing and treating oral mucositis. Mitochondria-stimulating red light therapy has proven to be very effective in treating oral mucositis, particularly as a preventive measure. Although light therapy is estimated to be the most effective treatment modality, its widespread implementation faces challenges such as availability and practical issues.

The latest studies investigate antibacterial treatments to preventively address oral mucosal ulcers originating from mucositis, aiming to mitigate the adverse effects of aggressive cancer treatments.

In the bachelor's thesis from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Helsinki titled "Oral Mucositis – Antibacterial Dual Light in the Treatment of Oral Mucositis," medical student Jessica Hentilä explores the effects of antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) and antibacterial blue light (aBL) on mucositis ulcers as local treatments.

Hentilä's research evaluates the efficacy of dual light therapy against Streptococcus Oralis – a common bacterium in the oral microbiome. The study indicates that antibacterial dual light, a combination of aPDT and aBL, not only effectively targets streptococcal infections found in mucositis-induced ulcers but provides red light therapy simultaneously.

According to Dr. Tommi Pätilä, the thesis advisor of Hentilä’s project and specialist in pediatric heart and organ transplantation surgery, the reduction of oral bacterial load in the mouth promotes mucosal wound healing, concurrently reducing the risk of local and systemic infection complications common in cancer patients. This is an important addition to the conventionally applied red light therapy.

Oral Health Improves Quality of Life

Oral mucositis is a prevalent side effect in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or combined chemo-radiation therapy. Its pathophysiology stems from the ability of cancer treatments to inhibit rapidly dividing cells, present not only in cancer tissues but also in the oral mucosa.

Clinically, oral mucositis induces an inflammatory reaction in the oral mucosa, leading to swelling, redness, and painful ulcers. These mucosal variations create an entry point for oral bacteria, exacerbating mucositis-related inflammation or potentially spreading to other parts of the body, explains Dr. Matti Mauramo, a dentist and specialist in pathology.

Mauramo emphasizes that maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for overall well-being. For cancer patients, oral health preservation is especially vital, as a clean mouth reduces the inflammatory burden caused by bacteria, worsening mucositis. Cancer patients must maintain good chewing ability and a diverse, high-calorie diet during intensive cancer treatments to avoid malnutrition and the development of a general weakness known as cachexia.

Professor Tuomas Waltimo from the University of Basel notes that while mucositis can occur in any part of the digestive tract, its manifestation on the oral mucosa poses specific challenges for cancer patients. Severe cases may hinder oral nutrition intake, leading to premature discontinuation of cancer treatments and compromising overall prognosis.

Waltimo, currently practicing as a private dentist at a Finnish clinic providing specialized dental care for patients undergoing cancer treatments, acknowledges the improvement in managing the side effects of cancer treatments compared to the early 2000s. Throughout his two-decade-long career as a researcher, Waltimo closely observed the development of cancer treatment pathways, particularly the increasing understanding of the role of oral infections in treatment outcomes.

In the early 2000s, according to Waltimo, the importance of oral health in the context of general healthcare was not systematically recognized as it is today in many European countries. However, the situation has improved, with dental care becoming a standard practice before initiating stem cell transplantation treatments in countries like Switzerland.

Simultaneously, patients’ prognoses have improved, and, most importantly, the quality of life for many patients has improved as the management and prevention of side effects of cancer treatments have become more efficient.

A Healthy Mouth Guards Against Serious Infections

Professor Waltimo highlights that alongside mucosal inflammation, cancer treatments often induce dry mouth, exposing cancer patients to various other oral diseases as well, such as tooth decay, gingivitis, and challenging periodontal and peri-implant diseases.

Oral infections are detrimental to overall health, causing a low-grade inflammatory state and potentially affecting the entire body. Oral infections are particularly harmful to cancer patients due to an increased risk of bacteremia – a bacterial infection that occurs when bacteria entering the bloodstream trigger the body's defense reaction. In severe cases, bacteremia can lead to life-threatening sepsis.

Waltimo emphasizes that good oral care can prevent infection complications, which cancer patients are more susceptible to, given their increased risk of diseases. Maintaining oral health is crucial for cancer patients, as the mouth is the primary source of routine bacterial seeding in the body. Mucous membranes, teeth, and gums must be kept in impeccable condition through daily effective oral hygiene.

According to Dr. Matti Mauramo, Lumoral's antibacterial treatment can influence the inflammatory process and induce an anti-inflammatory effect. Additionally, antibacterial dual light therapy can complement traditional bactericidal treatments.

Professor Tuomas Waltimo suggests that Lumoral's antibacterial dual light therapy could potentially serve as a preventive measure to support the oral health of cancer patients before the initiation of cancer treatments.

Preliminary observations suggest that Lumoral's antibacterial dual light therapy might be an important tool in the armory for oral mucositis treatment. Confirmation studies shall be set up to further investigate the effectiveness of the novel approach. A new doctoral dissertation study will commence at the University of Helsinki in spring to delve into this topic, adds Tuomas Waltimo.

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World Cancer Day is observed on February 4th every year. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness about cancer, promoting its prevention, detection, and treatment, as well as advocating for improved access to cancer care for all people globally. The day also serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and education about cancer risk factors.

Sources:

Brown TJ, Gupta A. Management of Cancer Therapy-Associated Oral Mucositis. JCO Oncol Pract. 2020 Mar;16(3):103-109. doi: 10.1200/JOP.19.00652. Epub 2020 Feb 3. PMID: 32048926.

Al-Rudayni AHM, Gopinath D, Maharajan MK, Veettil SK, Menon RK. Efficacy of Oral Cryotherapy in the Prevention of Oral Mucositis Associated with Cancer Chemotherapy: Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis. Curr Oncol. 2021 Jul 29;28(4):2852-2867. doi: 10.3390/curroncol28040250. PMID: 34436016; PMCID: PMC8395421.

Hentilä, Jessica. "Oral Mucositis – Antibacterial Dual Light in the Treatment of Oral Mucositis." Bachelor of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Faculty of Medicine, October 22, 2023.

Gholami L, Shahabi S, Jazaeri M, Hadilou M, Fekrazad R. Clinical applications of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in dentistry. Front Microbiol. 2023 Jan 5;13:1020995. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1020995. PMID: 36687594; PMCID: PMC9850114.

Jessica Hentilä, a student at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, conducted in-depth research on oral mucositis and its treatment. Oral mucositis is an inflammatory condition of the oral mucosa that arises from cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, commonly affecting cancer patients as a side effect.

The symptoms of oral mucositis include swelling, redness, and painful ulcers on the oral mucosa, leading to difficulties in eating, interruptions in treatments, and even severe consequences such as sepsis and death. Traditional prevention and symptomatic treatment are commonly employed, but Hentilä's research suggests that antibacterial dual-light therapy provides a new and effective approach to managing oral mucositis.

Hentilä's bachelor's thesis, titled "Oral Mucositis – Antibacterial Dual-Light Therapy in the Treatment of Oral Mucositis," focused specifically on the use of antibacterial light in treating oral mucositis. The research explored antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) and antibacterial blue light (aBL), as well as their combination – known as dual-light therapy. 

The study investigated the efficacy of dual-light therapy against Streptococcus Oralis (S. Oralis), a type of bacteria present in the oral microbiome. The results indicated that dual-light therapy could eliminate all bacterial colonies, regardless of the relative light energies of aPDT and aBL.

Addressing Side Effects of Cancer Treatments

In Finland, one in three individuals develops cancer during their lifetime, making the study of treatment side effects, particularly oral mucositis, crucial. According to the research, oral mucositis adversely affects many cancer patients, impacting their overall quality of life. Traditional treatments, such as ice therapy and maintaining oral hygiene with traditional means, may not always provide sufficient benefits, necessitating the exploration of new therapeutic approaches.

The study emphasizes that maintaining oral hygiene remains a crucial aspect of oral mucositis treatment, and light therapy devices could play a permanent role in oral healthcare. While reducing the significance of oral mucositis in the long term is an overarching goal, research on antibacterial dual-light therapy devices offers promising prospects for the advancement of oral healthcare.

Source:

Hentilä, Jessica. "Oral Mucositis – Antibacterial Dual-Light Therapy in the Treatment of Oral Mucositis." Bachelor of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, October 22, 2023."