Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease in the Oral Cavity of Patients Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant and Including Healthy Controls

Study Summary

Background: This study follows people who have had, or will soon have, a transplant using stem cells from another person. This is known as an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) can happen after HSCT. cGVHD can cause mouth problems and more serious issues. Researchers want to study changes in the mouth that might indicate cGVHD. Objective: To identify cGVHD in the mouth and better understand the development, treatment, and progress of post-transplant changes in the mouth. Eligibility: Adults at least 18 years old who will soon undergo HSCT or have had one in the past 3 years Healthy adults at least 18 years old Design: All participants will have a screening visit and baseline visit. They will last 60-90 minutes. Over these two visits, participants will have: Medical and dental history Dental exam. Questions about their eating habits and general health Blood drawn through a needle in the arm Vital signs taken Pictures of their mouth and lips taken Questions about their oral health, including about pain, sensitivity, or dryness Saliva samples taken. Participants will spit into a sterile plastic tube. Swabs taken of the mouth and some of the saliva, plaque, and fluid from the spaces between teeth and gums. Participants may also have: A piece of skin taken (biopsy) from the inner lining of the cheeks A piece of skin taken (biopsy) from the lower lip Dental X-rays Urine pregnancy test Most participants will have at least 7 study visits over 3 years. They will meet with a dentist and repeat baseline tests.

Primary Outcome

Advance understanding of chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) pathophysiology and generate hypotheses for future cGVHD studies by tracking the longitudinal development of cGVHD in the oral cavity.

Conditions Studied

Study Locations (1)