Photobiomodulation to prevent oral mucositis and physical function impairments after hematopoietic cell transplantation: POMFITT randomized trial.

AIM: To assess the effectiveness of photobiomodulation, compared to standard care, to prevent oral mucositis and functional impairment, and improve quality of life in adults who underwent hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT).

METHODS

Randomized, controlled clinical trial with 30 patients with hematologic malignancies.

INTERVENTION: InGaIP diode laser treatment, starting on the first day of conditioning until day + 3, three times a week.

PARAMETERS: wavelengths of 660 nm and 808 nm, 100 mW, 2 J, 20 points.

OUTCOME MEASURES: oral mucositis (WHO scale), functional capacity (2-min step test), handgrip strength (Jamar dynamometer), lower limb strength (Sit-to-Stand test), quality of life (FACT-BMT), and acceptance (0-10 numerical scale).

RESULTS

Participants fully adhered to the intervention (n = 15; 100%). Acceptance was rated 10/10 by 93.3% of participants. Severe oral mucositis occurred in 26.6% of the control group and 0% of the photobiomodulation group (p = 0.032). No significant differences were found between the groups in hospitalization days, handgrip strength, aerobic capacity, or lower-limb strength.

CONCLUSIONS

Photobiomodulation was associated with a lower occurrence of severe oral mucositis but did not affect physical function or quality of life at discharge. Acceptance in the Chilean context was very high.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06260111.