Inhibition of ceramide for the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis induced by antineoplastic drugs or radiation

Abstract

Intervention for oral mucosal injury secondary to chemotherapy or radiation based on the inhibition in the synthesis of ceramide, blockage of its activity, or its digestion.

What is claimed:  
     
         1 . A method of treating, inhibiting, or preventing mucositis in a human patient, said method comprising administering to said patient an effective amount of a therapeutic composition comprising a compound that either inhibits the synthesis of ceramide, blocks the activity of ceramide, or degrades ceramide.  
     
     
         2 . The method of    claim 1   , wherein said therapeutic agent is in the form of an oral rinse, a topical paste, or a gel.  
     
     
         3 . The method of    claim 1   , wherein said compound is selected from the group consisting of silymarin, 1-phenyl-2-decanoylaminon-3-morpholino-1-propanol, 1-phenyl-2-hexadecanoylaminon-3-pyrrolidino-1-propanol, Scyphostatin, L-carnitine, glutathione; human milk bile salt-stimulated lipase.