Design and Application of Multiscale Systems and Scaffolds Based on Functional Polymeric Materials in Treating Chemoradiotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis

Abstract: Chemoradiotherapy-induced oral mucositis (OM) is prevalent and complication in patients with head and neck cancers, characterized by mucosal erythema, erosion, and ulceration. OM not only causes severe pain, significantly impairs patients’ quality of life, but may also disrupt the overall cancer treatment regimen. The complex and dynamic oral microenvironment presents a major challenge for effective OM management, while current clinical strategies remain limited in lack efficient drug delivery systems. In this context, functional polymeric materials have emerged as promising platforms for OM prevention and treatment due to their biocompatibility and adaptability to the oral microenvironment. This review systematically outlines the pathological changes in the oral microenvironment following radiotherapy or chemotherapy and discusses how these alterations impede conventional therapies. We then highlight recent advances in functional polymeric materials-based devices designed to target the pathological microenvironment for enhanced drug delivery and mucosal regeneration. Finally, we discuss the translational challenges and future directions of material-based strategies for OM, aiming to inform the development of more precise and effective approaches. Keywords: chemoradiotherapy, oral mucositis, functional polymeric material, hydrogel, nanoparticle