To assess magnitude and characteristics of changes in chemosensory function and quality of life (QOL) for patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

A dental hygienist member of an interdisciplinary medical team can contribute to improved outcomes when cancer and transplant patients experience oral sequelae.Background and purposeCancer and transplant patients benefit from care provided by an interdisciplinary team comprised of general and oral health care providers. Diagnostic and supportive care including assessment and stabilization of oral health as well as management of treatment and disease sequelae are essential treatment planning components. This article provides support for a dental hygienist team member contributing toward optimal care for this patient population at high risk for infection and other serious complications.MethodsA dental hygienist manager of an oral medicine service that provides clinical care for transplant patients describes how her position within a cancer research center has evolved. Using case scenarios, the impact of an interdisciplinary medical transplant team on patient care is presented.ConclusionsA dental hygienist, interested in working with oncology or transplant patients, as part of an interdisciplinary medical team, can contribute toward the well-being of patients and experience a challenging and rewarding career that combines aspects of medicine and dentistry.

Introduction Oral mucositis (OM) is a significant early complication of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). This phase III randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was designed to compare the ability of 2 different low level GaAlAs diode lasers (650 nm and 780 nm) to prevent oral mucositis in HCT patients conditioned with chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Materials and methods Seventy patients were enrolled and randomized into 1 of 3 treatment groups: 650 nm laser, 780 nm laser or placebo. All active laser treatment patients received daily direct laser treatment to the lower labial mucosa, right and left buccal mucosa, lateral and ventral surfaces of the tongue, and floor of mouth with energy densities of 2 J/cm 2 . Study treatment began on the first day of conditioning and continued through day +2 post HCT. Mucositis and oral pain was measured on days 0, 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, and 21 post HCT. Results The 650 nm wavelength reduced the severity of oral mucositis and pain scores. Low level laser therapy was well-tolerated and no adverse events were noted. Discussion While these results are encouraging, further study is needed to truly establish the efficacy of this mucositis prevention strategy. Future research needs to determine the effects of modification of laser parameters (e.g., wavelength, fluence, repetition rate of energy delivery, etc.) on the effectiveness of LLE laser to prevent OM.