Photobiomodulation therapy for oral mucositis: clinical experience from a supportive care program at the Indian Institute of Head and Neck Oncology.

BACKGROUND

Photobiomodulation (PBM), the therapeutic use of non-ionizing red to near-infrared light, has emerged as a safe, non-invasive, evidence-based modality for managing oral mucositis (OM) in oncology.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility and therapeutic outcomes of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) within a structured multidisciplinary supportive care pathway at a charitable oncology center in India, specifically comparing outcomes against a historical control cohort.

METHODS

This observational cohort study included 132 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma undergoing curative or adjuvant radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy. PBMT was initiated at first clinical evidence of mucositis (WHO grade ≥ 1). Baseline for analysis was defined as the time of PBMT initiation. Outcomes were compared with a matched historical control cohort (n = 100) treated prior to PBMT implementation.

RESULTS

Severe mucositis (grades 3-4) in the PBMT cohort declined from 57% at baseline (time of PBMT initiation) to 2% at 8 weeks. The PBMT cohort demonstrated significantly superior outcomes compared to historical controls, including lower peak mucositis grades (2.9 vs. 3.5; p < 0.01), shorter duration of severe mucositis (1.2 vs. 3.4 weeks; p < 0.01), and reduced opioid reliance (57% vs. 85%; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

PBMT was associated with improved mucositis severity and pain outcomes within a structured supportive care framework in head and neck cancer patients in tertiary cancer center. Compared with historical controls, PBMT was associated with lower peak mucositis grades shorter duration of severe mucositis and reduced opioid use. This findings suggest that PBMT may represent a practical adjunct in resource constrain oncology settings.