It is known that standard cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, often cause painful and severe side effects, including acute inflammation of the oral mucosa, skin burn injuries, and swelling. Against this backdrop, Photobiomodulation (PBM) offers an innovative solution: it uses safe light to manage these side effects, without thermal impact.
The first official European guideline was formally presented at the AFSOS Congress in Lille. This document, coordinated by Dr. Antoine Lemaire (General Hospital of Valenciennes, France), covers the indications, mechanisms of action, and practical protocols for PBM treatment.
PBM reduces the frequency of complications, the need for hospitalization, and overall treatment costs. Approximately 100 oncology centers in France are already using this technology, reflecting its growing demand from patients and clinical recognition.
What Is Photobiomodulation?
Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a therapeutic method that involves the targeted application of red, near-infrared, or blue light to damaged tissues. Low-Level Lasers (LLLT) or Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are used as light sources. It is important to note that this process does not cause thermal damage and ensures only the photonic transfer of energy to the damaged cells.
At the cellular level, light is directly absorbed by the mitochondria (which are the energy centers of the cell). This absorption initiates a cascade of biochemical reactions: the electron transport chain is activated, the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase is activated, and the levels of the cellular energy source, Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), and nitric oxidesharply increase.
The ultimate result of this process is cell regeneration and the rapid restoration of damaged tissues. It is a simple, targeted energetic stimulation that enhances the body’s natural regenerative mechanisms.
Confirmed Clinical Indications and Optimal Dosing of PBM
The clinical use of PBM initially began for the prevention of oral mucositis caused by radiotherapy/chemotherapy. Today, the strongest evidence confirms its effectiveness precisely in the treatment of mucositis and radiodermatitis (skin burns caused by radiation therapy).
Other Indications: In addition to its primary use, PBM shows moderate efficacy in managing other oncological complications (protocols here may vary):
Lymphedema
Acute Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
Dysphonia (loss of voice quality)
Dysgeusia (taste disturbance/perversion)
Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia (hand and foot skin reaction)
Xerostomia (dry mouth)
Trismus (spasm of the jaw muscles)
Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy and alopecia
Post-radiation fibrosis
Optimal Therapeutic Dose Range is typically . The session duration is determined by the device’s power and the distance from the tissue. One session lasts about 20 minutes. A full course involves sessions, times per week, regulated according to the severity of the complication and the patient’s response.
Barriers and Warnings
The main obstacle to the widespread implementation of PBM therapy is that it is not reimbursed. Due to this, patients often pay for it as part of a medical consultation.
It must also be considered that home PBM devices are considered a dangerous and risky zone, as many of them do not meet European Union safety standards (CE Mark), deliver ineffective doses, and some blue lights may have hidden ultraviolet radiation, which is harmful. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that treatment be conducted only with a qualified specialist and in a clinical setting.
Source: Univadis, AFSOS, Medscape
