Low Level Laser Therapy in Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis: Prophylaxis or Treatment?

INTRODUCTION: Chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (COM) is a common, debilitating complication of cancer therapy. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on prevention of COM in patients with hematologic malignancies.METHODS: Fifty-five patients hospitalized to undergo chemotherapy in Imam Hospital were included into the study. These patients were divided into two groups. The oral cavity of the patients were illuminated by continues laser beam using a GaAlAs laser device with wavelength of 630 nm, power output 30 mW, and dose of 5 J/cm2 for six days (LLLT group). The patients in the second group underwent placebo irradiation (power output equal to zero) with the similar protocol. The severity of the COM was clinically evaluated based on WHO grading scale. The patientys’quality of life was assessed before and after the intervention according to EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire.RESULTS: The incidence of COM in LLLT group (31%) was less than the placebo group (41%). Mean duration of COM healing was 4.8 and 12 days in LLLT and placebo groups, respectively (p=0.03). Xereostomia was significantly less severe in LLLT group in comparison with the placebo group (p=0.007).CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that LLLT significantly reduced the incidence of oral mucositis of WHO grade 3 and 4 as the most debilitating form of oral mucositis,in which oral alimentation is impossible. Also, LLLT could reduce duration of oral mucositis, decreased the risk of secondary infection, and accelerated return to normal nutrition.