THE EFFICTIVENESS OF LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY FOR PROVENTION AND TREATMENT OF RADIATION-INDUCEED MUCO

Abstract

Oral mucositis is the most common and significant complication of chemoradiation therapy for oral and pharyngeal cancer. There are no standard methods for preventing and treating this disease. Patients with severe adverse events need expensive supportive care and unplanned treatment breaks. The objective of the study was to assess and optimize the effectiveness of low level laser therapy (LLLT) for prevention and treatment of chemoradiation-induced oral mucositis in patients with oral and pharyngeal cancer. Material and Methods. Forty-eight patients who received chemoradiation therapy for oral and pharyngeal cancer were enrolled. All patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group I patients (n=28) received standard treatment of chemoradiation-induced complications. Group II patients (n=20) were treated with low level laser therapy (LLLT) at a wavelength of 635 nm, three times a week for three minutes prior to radiation therapy session. Results. In the LLLT group, a statistically significant decrease in the frequency and severity of oral mucositis as well as decrease in pain were observed as compared to the group with standard treatment (χ2 =64,14, р<0,0001). No significant difference in the onset of symptoms and duration of severe mucositis were found. LLLT is an effective method capable of decreasing the frequency and severity of adverse events associated with concurrent chemoradiation therapy. Key words: radiation-induced mucositis, oral and pharyngeal cancer, low level laser therapy, chemoradiation therapy.><0,0001). No significant difference in the onset of symptoms and duration of severe mucositis were found. LLLT is an effective method capable of decreasing the frequency and severity of adverse events associated with concurrent chemoradiation therapy.

Keywords

• radiation-induced mucositis
• oral and pharyngeal cancer
• low level laser therapy
• chemoradiation therapy