Use of Photobiomodulation in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Treated in an Oncology Service

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of prophylactic photobiomodulation and its relationship with weight loss and the development of oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy in an oncology service.Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study that included patients who received radiation therapy concomitantly with systemic therapy for treatment of head and neck cancer. Patients were divided into two groups: 1) who received photobiomodulation (PMB) treatment and 2) who did not receive PMB. Results: Thirty patients were included in the study, 15 in each group, with a mean age of 62 years in the PBM group and 63.2 years in the control group. Most patients were male, with locally advanced disease (clinical stage III or IV), and received definitive intent treatment with concomitant radiotherapy to high-dose cisplatin (100 mg/m² every 3 weeks). In this analysis, the use of PBM shows a protective effect against the development of grade 3 or 4 oral mucositis [Odds Ratio 0.22 (0.04-1.11)], and was associated with a risk reduction of weight loss higher than 5% of 8% (relative risk, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.62 – 1.36). Conclusions: The use of prophylactic PBM showed interesting clinical results. The decreased risk of weight loss and the protective effect on the development of severe OM may directly affect the quality of life of the patient, as well as allow for a higher rate of treatment compliance, fewer hospitalizations, and consequently reduce overall treatment costs.