Migliorati, C., Hewson, I., Lalla, R. V., Antunes, H.S., Estilo, C.L., Hodgson, B., … Elad, S. (2013). Systematic review of laser and other light therapy for the management of oral mucositis in cancer patients. Supportive Care in Cancer, 21(1), 333–341.
To review available literature to develop guidelines for the use of laser and other light therapies in patients with cancer
A total of 692 papers initially were identified, and 24 clinical trials were included in the final review.
Guidelines support use of LLLT for the prevention of oral mucositis in patients undergoing HCT and in patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy. The research in this area involves a variety of laser devices, protocols, and dosage, making it difficult to identify a specific protocol for clinical application. The most effective wavelengths and dosages are not yet clear. Most protocols examined have involved daily and long treatment times. Based on accumulating evidence, LLLT or other forms of light therapy have the potential to become part of routine treatment.