Intralesional PRP Therapy Shows Promise for Mild to Moderate OSMF: Study
A recent study published in Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology (OOOO Journal) has shown that intralesional platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy may be a safe and effective option for treating mild to moderate oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). OSMF is a chronic, progressive condition of the oral cavity characterized by stiffness, limited mouth opening, and burning sensations, primarily linked to areca nut chewing. The study observed that patients receiving intralesional PRP injections experienced significant improvements in mouth opening, reduction in oral burning, and improved tissue flexibility, suggesting that PRP could play a role in reversing fibrotic changes in the oral mucosa.
The researchers conducted an exploratory clinical trial involving patients diagnosed with early to moderate OSMF. PRP, a concentrated preparation of platelets derived from the patient’s own blood, was injected directly into the affected oral tissues at regular intervals. Over the treatment period, participants showed measurable gains in interincisal mouth opening and reported symptomatic relief. The study attributes these outcomes to PRP’s high concentration of growth factors, which can promote tissue healing, angiogenesis, and collagen remodeling. Compared to corticosteroid-based treatments—which may have side effects like mucosal thinning—PRP therapy demonstrated good safety and tolerance, with no major adverse effects observed during the follow-up period.
While the findings are promising, the authors caution that larger, long-term studies are needed to confirm PRP’s efficacy and determine standardized treatment protocols. Still, this exploratory evidence adds to growing clinical interest in using regenerative therapies for fibrotic oral disorders. For patients struggling with OSMF, especially in early stages, PRP may offer a minimally invasive alternative to conventional steroid or surgical approaches. As awareness grows around the link between areca nut use and oral precancerous conditions, such biological therapies could mark a shift toward restorative rather than purely symptomatic management.
Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology (2025). Intralesional platelet-rich plasma therapy for mild to moderate oral submucous fibrosis: an exploratory clinical study. Retrieved from https://www.oooojournal.net/article/S2212-4403(25)01195-2/fulltext
