Photobiomodulation as a treatment for dermatitis caused by chemoradiotherapy for squamous cell anal carcinoma: case report and literature review

From molecular mechanisms to clinical applications: A comprehensive review of photobiomodulation in cancer treatment

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a non-invasive therapeutic technique that regulates biological processes using primarily low-power lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to achieve therapeutic effects. Its application has expanded significantly, particularly in the field of cancer therapy. This review provides a comprehensive overview of PBM, elucidating its underlying mechanisms of action and its potential applications in cancer therapy. It highlights the benefits of PBM in reducing side effects of cancer treatments such as acute oral mucositis, radiation dermatitis, lymphedema, neuropathic pain, and radiation enteropathy. Furthermore, the ability of PBM to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis, and discusses safety concerns of PBM in clinical applications, presenting existing research that emphasizes its significant potential in cancer therapy was summarized. PBM therapy may offer promising new clinical options for managing cancer and mitigating the side effects associated with conventional cancer therapies.

Effects of photobiomodulation therapy for acute radiation dermatitis in patients with cancer: A systematic review and meta‑analysis of real-world evidence

PURPOSE

To examine the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) for acute radiation dermatitis (ARD) in patients with cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL were searched for articles published between database inception until July 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs examining the effects of PBMT against ARD in patients with cancer were included for analysis. A random-effects model was used to conduct meta-analyses and sensitivity analyses. Subgroup analyses were conducted for cancer types and PBMT goals (prevention or treatment of ARD) with stratification for different grades of ARD.

RESULTS

Eight studies (five RCTs and three non-RCTs) were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with the control group, the PBMT group exhibited significantly lower ARD incidence at grades 2 and 3 (risk difference =  - 0.36, 95 % confidence interval =  - 0.53 to - 0.19, I2 = 85 %, P = < 0.00001). Subgroup analyses revealed that, compared with the control group, PBMT had a significant effect on both breast cancer and head and neck cancer. In addition, PBMT significantly reduced grades 2 and 3 ARD incidence in the PBMT group for both prevention and treatment subgroups.

CONCLUSION

PBMT may have beneficial effects on the prevention and treatment of higher-grade ARD in patients with breast cancer and head and neck cancer. Nevertheless, the studies included in this meta-analysis exhibited high heterogeneity. Therefore, the results must be interpreted with caution.

Photobiomodulation CME part II: Clinical applications in dermatology

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is an emerging treatment modality in dermatology with increasing office and home-based use. PBM is the use of various light sources in the red light (620-700 nm) and near-infrared (700-1440 nm) spectrum as a form of light therapy. PBM is often administered through low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes. Studies show that PBM can be used effectively to treat conditions secondary to cancer therapies, alopecia, ulcers, herpes simplex virus, acne, skin rejuvenation, wounds, and scars. PBM offers patients many benefits compared to other treatments. It is noninvasive, cost-effective, convenient for patients, and offers a favorable safety profile. PBM can be used as an alternative or adjuvant to other treatment modalities including pharmacotherapy. It is important for dermatologists to gain a better clinical understanding of PBM for in-office administration and to counsel patients on proper application for home-use devices to best manage safety and expectations as this technology develops. PBM wavelengths can induce varied biological effects in diverse skin types, races, and ethnicities; therefore, it is also important for dermatologists to properly counsel their skin of color patients who undergo PBM treatments. Future clinical trials are necessary to produce standardized recommendations across conditions and skin types.

Photobiomodulation therapy for mitigating severity of radiodermatitis in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy: a scoping review

PURPOSE

Radiodermatitis (RD) is an adverse effect of radiation therapy. RD can negatively impact quality of life and can also hinder treatment in cancer patients. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has the potential to treat RD at the cellular level, and it is more promising compared to other therapy alternatives. This review aims to examine the effectiveness of PBMT for the treatment and management of RD in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.

METHODS

The methodology followed for the review was based on the framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley, and the extensions by Levac et al. This involved a literature search in Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane without any time limit, for original articles on the basis of the inclusion criteria, i.e., studies focusing on the effectiveness of PBMT on RD in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy as an anticancer treatment. The review has been reported on the basis of the PRISMA-ScR checklist.

RESULTS

A total of 14 studies were reviewed, of which only 2 (14.28%) studies reported no significant effect of PBMT on RD; the remaining studies reported positive outcomes (85.71%) with no adverse effects. Among studies with positive outcomes, PBMT has been shown to be beneficial in reducing the severity of RD. Furthermore, PBMT application has been studied as a preventive measure (35.71%), treatment and management (50%), and for both the prevention and cure of RD (14.29%).

CONCLUSION

Overall, PBMT can be considered a reliable and effective treatment modality for reducing the severity of RD. However detailed studies related to the long-term effects of PBMT, its effect on pain intensity and quality of life (QoL) will aid in better assessment of the technique. More clinical trials with a broader sample size could also aid in fine-tuning the efficacy of PBMT treatment modalities.