Journal of Clinical Medicine
Photobiomodulation Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemoradiotherapy: Role in Toxicities Prevention
By Margherita Rotondi, Roger Sun, Houssam EL-Masri and 6 others.
Abstract
Background
Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for head and neck cancer (HNC) is frequently associated with severe acute toxicities that compromise treatment adherence and quality of life. This study evaluated the effectiveness of photobiomodulation (PBM) in reducing CRT-induced toxicities in a real-world cohort.
Methods
Between May 2021 and July 2024, we retrospectively analyzed 117 HNC patients treated with definitive or adjuvant CRT and concomitant PBM: a non-invasive application of red or near-infrared light to cutaneous and mucosal surfaces to modulate inflammatory responses, using 620/820 nm or 650 nm devices, with irradiation times of 2–12 min and energy densities of 3–12 J/cm2 according to the treatment protocol. Toxicities were graded according to CTCAE v 5.0 at baseline, during treatment, at treatment completion, and throughout follow-up. Associations with toxicity were assessed with logistic regression for repeated measurements (generalized estimating equations). Patients were stratified according to PBM exposure (<10 vs. ≥10 sessions).