Development of mucoadhesives films for the treatment of oral mucositis induced by antineoplastic therapies

• Grant number: 24/15703-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Priscila Gava Mazzola
• Grantee: Caroline Abe dos Santos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Oral mucositis is an inflammatory process in the mucous membranes of the mouth caused by cell damage induced by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. It frequently occurs in patients undergoing oncological treatment for head and neck tumors and is one of the most serious non-hematological complications of oncotherapy due to the cytotoxicity of the treatments. The presence of mucositis directly impairs the quality of life of cancer patients, since it can cause pain, difficulty in swallowing and ingesting liquids and solids, and also increases the risk of both local and systemic infections. In cases where mucositis is in more advanced stages (ulceration), treatment is often delayed or even interrupted. From this perspective, further research is needed into pharmaceutical forms that can contribute to the early and effective treatment of this condition. Thus, this project proposes the development of an orodispersible film that helps relieve pain, prevent bacterial infections and control the inflammatory process, while also taking into account ease of use by patients. To this end, different natural polymers will be evaluated for the formation of the polymer matrix, associated with an extract of Syzygium aromaticum leaves, residues from the clove harvest that have pharmacological potential. From this, it will be possible to investigate the applicability of a new pharmaceutical form for the treatment of oral mucositis. A greater understanding of the action of resources that aid in the palliative treatment of oral complications associated with oncotherapy are challenges of interest not only in clinical and dental settings, but also in academic settings. (AU)