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slcimmuno

10/18/17 9:02 AM

#200515 RE: scottsmith #200512

huh? (again) and how many people read (or were even aware of) the IPIX blog?.... the PR hits many more eyeballs, plus it was sent via email, so that imo was a great way to draw attn to B-OM and mkt opportunity.

and just in case folks forget, this is who will stand to benefit most potentially from B-OM as a preventative therapy. patients.

http://www.rdhmag.com/articles/print/volume-37/issue-10/contents/when-is-your-appointment-with-your-hygienist.html

Oral mucositis

One of the most serious oral complications of chemotherapy is oral mucositis. Normal oral mucosa cells undergo complete replacement approximately every 10 days. In addition, normal salivary gland function promotes mucosal health through multiple mechanisms. Chemotherapy directly impairs the replication of oral mucosa cells and salivary gland function.

Mucositis emerges approximately two weeks after initiation of chemotherapy and is usually severe. It often requires medical intervention, including the interruption of chemotherapy. Oral mucositis may be complicated by infection of opportunistic bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens, especially if the patient is immunocompromised. Treatment of these secondary infections may be complicated by potential drug interactions with chemotherapy drugs.

Another consideration is that, during mucositis, normally occurring oral organisms as well as opportunistic pathogens may easily spread systemically. This may result in potentially life-threatening septic infection, especially, again, if the patient is immunocompromised.

When uncomplicated by infection, mucositis typically heals within two to four weeks after cessation of chemotherapy. Meticulous oral hygiene is essential. Oral rinses with chlorhexidine and atraumatic mechanical plaque removal, including brushing and flossing, are usually recommended. Management of oral mucositis via topical approaches includes the use of bland rinses (saline and/or sodium bicarbonate solutions), mucosal coating agents (antacid solutions), water-soluble lubricating agents for xerostomia (artificial saliva).

Systemic antibacterials, such as amoxicillin, are often used to treat bacterial infections, if they emerge. Unfortunately, the use of antibacterials may create a favorable environment for fungal infection. Topical oral antifungal agents, such as nystatin, are often employed but may have limited efficacy. Systemic agents, such as fluconazole, should be used for persistent fungal infections (especially if the patient is immunocompromised).

In addition to bacterial and fungal infections, patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation are at risk for viral infections, including herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus. Since these infections are often the result of reactivation of an existing virus, prophylaxis with antiviral medications may reduce the incidence of infection.

If topical anesthetics such as lidocaine are not sufficient for pain relief, systemic analgesics are employed. Opioid analgesics are typically used in patients receiving chemotherapy since nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may affect platelet aggregation and directly damage gastric mucosa.

Xerostomia may occur in patients receiving chemotherapy due to suppression of salivary function, but it is almost always not permanent, so treatment is usually palliative. However, xerostomia results in increased salivary viscosity, impaired lubrication of oral tissues, decreased buffering capacity and salivary pH, and difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene, thus increasing the risk for dental caries and erosion. In addition, xerostomia interferes with basic oral functions, such as chewing, swallowing, and speech and, thus, has a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life.

The risk of dental caries is ever present due to the loss of salivary antimicrobial proteins and mineralizing components. In addition, dry mucosa is more prone to bleeding and trauma. Meticulous oral hygiene must be maintained and xerostomia should be managed with saliva substitutes. Caries resistance can be enhanced with the use of topical fluorides, chlorhexidine rinses and remineralizing agents, which are high in calcium phosphate and fluoride. Rinsing with a solution of salt and baking soda four to six times a day will assist in cleaning and lubricating the oral tissues and buffering the oral environment.

Certain chemotherapeutic agents can cause neurotoxicity. This may result in deep, throbbing oral pain that, unfortunately, is also consistent with acute dental pathology. If neurotoxicity is the diagnosis, it typically resolves within a week of discontinuing the chemotherapy.

Pain causes increased morbidity, reduced performance status, increased anxiety and depression, and diminished quality of life. Management of oral pain is particularly challenging because eating, speech, swallowing, and other motor functions of the head and neck and oropharynx are constant pain triggers.

Pain management usually involves the use of opioid analgesics. Dental hypersensitivity may also be an issue for some patients. Topical fluoride and desensitizing toothpastes may alleviate the discomfort.

Although rarely serious, oral bleeds may be a concern for patients who are receiving chemotherapy. Unfortunately, it is common for these patients to be told to avoid the use toothbrushes and dental floss when their platelet counts are low. Lack of routine oral hygiene may increase the risk of plaque accumulation and, thus, the risk of local and systemic infection. Foam toothbrushes, which are often recommended in this situation, do not effectively clean teeth or remove plaque.

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After those initial words in the meeting room, I finally found the ones I had been searching for. The words I should have said and the words I’m sure my new friend wanted to hear me say. We spoke for over an hour and I made sure I answered every one of her questions in detail. I wanted to give her as much information and as much hope and support as I could.

As we finished our conversation, we shook hands. I looked in her eyes and I saw the fear I had seen so many times before in the eyes of my patients, their families, and my own loved ones. And, for that moment, once again, time stood still.
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mdphd2008

10/18/17 9:05 AM

#200518 RE: scottsmith #200512

I personally have no problems with these PRs.

Although it’s not new information to the many of us who are long time and committed followers, it can lead to increased and new awareness in the general population and investment community. In the age of “google it” patients, physicians, researchers, investors, etc. may come across this information in often unpredictable and indirect ways.

For me, it serves as affirmation that things remain on schedule and I don’t need to look up past PRs for expected timelines. I appreciate the follow up.

As always, I hope everyone remains optimistic and patient because I truly believe great things are on the horizon for IPIX.
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TheBunny

10/18/17 10:03 AM

#200529 RE: scottsmith #200512

By placing The Blog, Leo demonstrated that there is no partnership just around the corner.

Now it's just throwing anything into the hopper in a desperate attempt to divert what is truly just around the corner for IPIX - Capitulation.

This type of behavior from management never works, but only demonstrates the true condition of the company.

Too Bad. They had a shot at greatness at one time.