Mouse model studies show that administered genetically or topically, protein Smad7 protects against or heals mouth sores commonly associated with cancertreatment, according to Medical News Today.

In some cancer patients treated with radiation, the mouth sores known as oral mucositis become so severe that feeding tubes are required for nutritionand narcotics are needed for pain. In fact, 40% to 70% of patients treated with upper-body radiation develop the condition to some degree. Currently, there is no FDA approved treatment. A University of Colorado Cancer Center study published this week in the journal Nature Medicine takes an important step toward changing that.

To read the full MNT article, click here.