Influence of low-level laser on oral mucositis treatment in young cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: a systematic review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Perform a systematic review of the literature to seek scientific evidence on the effect of low-level laser therapy on duration, degree and pain of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in young patients with cancer. Methods: A bibliographic search was performed using the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases to identify relevant scientific studies, found through the descriptors “laser therapy”, “phototherapy”, “oral mucositis”, “pediatric patient” and “children” to evaluate this association. Information regarding the degree of mucositis, pain associated with patients, toothbrushing and laser were analyzed characteristics. Results: Of the nine studies, one did not obtain significant results on the healing action of LLLT on oral mucositis and of the eight remaining studies, 83. 3% showed significant evidence of a decrease in the degree of oral mucositis and consequently its duration. With regard to pain, 100% of the studies confirmed its decrease. Conclusion: Low-level laser therapy is considered an efficient instrument for the treatment of oral mucositis on young patients with cancer due to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and healing effects.

Keywords

• Child
• Laser therapy
• Phototherapy
• Stomatitis