Photobiomodulation Therapy in the Management of Oral Mucositis: Current Evidence and Clinical Perspectives (2023)

This review examined the role of photobiomodulation (PBM)/low-level laser therapy in preventing and treating oral mucositis, a painful inflammatory condition of the mouth commonly seen in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Key findings:

• Reduced severity of oral mucositis: PBM was shown to help lessen the intensity and duration of oral mucosal injury.
• Pain relief: Patients receiving PBM often experienced reduced oral pain and discomfort.
• Improved healing: Therapy may accelerate tissue repair and epithelial regeneration in damaged oral tissues.
• Reduced inflammation: PBM appears to modulate inflammatory pathways and oxidative stress involved in mucosal injury.
• Supportive cancer care role: PBM may improve quality of life by helping patients maintain eating, speaking, and oral function during cancer treatment.

Conclusion:

The review suggests that photobiomodulation is a promising non-invasive supportive therapy for oral mucositis prevention and management, especially in oncology settings. Its benefits are linked to anti-inflammatory effects, improved cellular metabolism, enhanced tissue healing, and pain reduction. However, the authors noted that standardized treatment protocols (wavelength, dose, timing) and further high-quality studies are still important for broader clinical adoption.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36814278/