With expert insights from Dr. Marielaina Perrone, DDS
As dental professionals, early detection and management of oral pathology are integral to patient care. While conventional treatments for oral cancers, such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, remain the gold standard, researchers are now investigating stem cell therapy as a promising adjunct or alternative in managing these aggressive conditions.
As dental professionals, your role in early detection and management of oral pathology is not just important, it's integral to patient care. While conventional treatments for oral cancers, such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, remain the gold standard, researchers are now investigating stem cell therapy as a promising adjunct or alternative in managing these aggressive conditions.
To explore this advancement, we spoke with Dr. Marielaina Perrone, DDS, a cosmetic and implant dentist in Henderson, NV. As part of her commitment to biologically guided care, she follows regenerative trends closely. These trends include the use of regenerative therapies in dental care, such as stem cell therapy, to promote healing and tissue regeneration.
“Stem cell therapy represents one of the most groundbreaking shifts we may see in oral cancer care,” says Dr. Perrone. “As research evolves, the potential to not only support tissue regeneration but possibly inhibit cancer progression is gaining real momentum.”
Understanding the Burden of Oral Cancer
Oral cancers, particularly squamous cell carcinomas of the tongue, floor of the mouth, and oropharynx, account for approximately 58,000 new cases annually in the U.S. alone. Prognosis is highly dependent on early detection, but treatment is often invasive, disfiguring, and physically and emotionally taxing for patients.
Post-treatment complications may include:
- Soft tissue fibrosis
- Impaired speech and swallowing
- Xerostomia
- Trismus
- Oral infections
- Osteoradionecrosis
“As dental providers, we often work with oral cancer survivors long after their treatment ends,” Dr. Perrone explains. “Helping them regain function and quality of life is where regenerative approaches become incredibly valuable.”
How Stem Cells Work in Regenerative Therapy
Stem cells can be classified into several types based on their origin and potency. In dentistry and oral oncology, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from bone marrow, adipose tissue, or dental pulp are particularly interesting.
Properties of MSCs that support cancer care include:
- Immunomodulation: MSCs can modulate inflammation and immune response within damaged tissues
- Angiogenesis: Promotion of new blood vessel formation to support tissue healing
- Tissue Differentiation: MSCs can differentiate into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and fibroblasts — critical for oral reconstruction
- Homing Ability: MSCs can migrate to sites of injury or inflammation, targeting tumors and damaged tissues
“Dental pulp stem cells are particularly promising because they’re easy to harvest and exhibit robust regenerative potential,” notes Dr. Perrone. “Their biocompatibility makes them ideal for applications in the oral cavity.”
Potential Applications in Oral Cancer Management
While still largely in the experimental stage, stem cell therapy may impact oral cancer care in two main ways:
1. Regeneration of Damaged Tissues Post-Treatment
Radiation and surgical resection often result in significant loss of bone and soft tissue in the orofacial region. Stem cells may help:
- Regenerate irradiated salivary glands, improving xerostomia
- Restore bone defects to support dental implants or prosthetics
- Heal mucosal tissues to enhance comfort and function
“The ability to restore form and function after cancer treatment without relying solely on grafts or prostheses is a game-changer,” says Dr. Perrone. “It also shortens recovery time and improves patient outcomes.”
2. Modulation of Tumor Microenvironments
Some experimental therapies involve engineering stem cells to deliver anti-cancer agents directly to tumor sites, potentially improving the specificity and safety of treatment.
These therapeutic stem cells could:
- Interfere with tumor cell proliferation
- Disrupt angiogenesis within malignant tissues
- Deliver targeted drug therapy to reduce systemic toxicity
While not yet part of routine care, such bioengineered solutions are being actively investigated in clinical trials and academic research labs.
Cautions and Considerations in Clinical Dentistry
Despite the promise, the use of stem cells in oral cancer patients remains investigational. Ethical considerations, patient safety, and regulatory approval processes continue to guide how and when these therapies may become mainstream. It's important to note that there are potential risks and limitations associated with stem cell therapy, including the risk of tumor formation and the need for long-term monitoring. These factors should be carefully considered when evaluating the potential benefits of these treatments.
Dr. Perrone emphasizes:
“It’s important that we, as dentists, understand both the potential and the limitations. While we’re not yet applying stem cell treatments in general practice for cancer patients, being informed prepares us to integrate these innovations as they become validated.”
Role of the General Dentist in Oral Cancer Support
While stem cell therapy is still developing, general dentists play a critical role in early detection, prevention, and supportive care for oral cancer patients. This includes:
- Regular oral cancer screenings
- Managing mucositis and xerostomia in post-treatment patients
- Fabricating prosthetics or supporting implant rehabilitation after tissue loss
- Coordinating care with oncologists and oral surgeons
- Educating patients on emerging treatment options and clinical trials
“Staying at the forefront of these innovations allows us to better guide and advocate for our patients,” Marielaina Perrone, DDS adds. “That’s what comprehensive, compassionate care looks like.”
Looking Ahead: From Research to Reality
Current clinical trials and animal studies are expanding the evidence base for stem cell therapy in oral oncology. As therapies evolve, dental professionals can expect a future where:
- Biologics and regenerative medicine are part of standard post-cancer reconstruction
- Dental pulp and gingival stem cells are harvested and stored for therapeutic use
- Interdisciplinary collaboration between dentists, oncologists, and bioengineers becomes more commonplace
“I believe regenerative therapies — including stem cells — will become standard in cosmetic and medically necessary dental care in the near future,” says Dr. Perrone. “We’re witnessing the beginning of a biologically driven era in dentistry.”
Conclusion
While more research is needed before stem cell therapy becomes part of routine oral cancer treatment, the groundwork is being laid today. By staying informed and engaged, dental professionals can be better equipped to support the evolving needs of their patients — from prevention and detection to post-treatment rehabilitation and beyond.
About the Author
Dr. Marielaina Perrone, DDS, is an experienced cosmetic and implant dentist in Henderson, Nevada. With over 20 years in practice, she integrates advanced technologies and regenerative therapies to provide comprehensive care. Dr. Perrone is committed to staying at the forefront of dental innovation, including the emerging applications of stem cells in oral health and oncology.