PHOTOBIOMODULATION, aka PBM PBM IS A NON-INVASIVE, DRUG-FREE, PAINLESS THERAPY THAT USES THE POWER OF LIGHT (LASERS, LED & INFRARED LIGHT) TO REDUCE PAIN & INFLAMMATION, PREVENT & PROMOTE WOUND HEALING, AND ASSIST IN OVERALL TISSUE REGENERATION. PBM HAS BECOME A KEY FACTOR IN HELPING PATIENTS PREVENT AND TREAT ORAL MUCOSITIS (OM).
WHAT IS ORAL MUCOSITIS (OM)?
Mucositis occurs when cancer treatments inadvertently break down normal healthy cells along the gastro-intestinal tract. The oral mucosa which lines the inside of the mouth is one of the most sensitive parts of the body and is vulnerable to chemo and radiation therapies. The breakdown of cells results in painful sores throughout the oral cavity.
HOW COMMON IS OM?
The majority of oral cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in combination with radiation will experience at least some degree of mucositis. About 40% of cancer patients treated with chemotherapy develops mucositis, this percentage rises to 60–85% for patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and to almost 90% for head and neck cancer (HNC) patients treated with radiation plus chemotherapy.
HOW DOES PBM HELP PREVENT OM?
PBM works by initiating a biological process at the cellular level when the light is absorbed. The process is similar to photosynthesis in plants. As the light penetrates the photoreceptor in the mitochondria of your cell, healthy cell function is the result. In a sense, PBM helps to restore normal cell function by reducing inflammation and edema, reducing oxidative stress and stimulating tissue repair.
WHY CHOOSE PBM THERAPY?
Oral mucositis is the most common, debilitating complication of cancer treatments. It can lead to several issues, including pain, nutritional problems as a result of inability to eat, and increased risk of infection due to open sores in the mucosa. It has a significant effect on the patient’s quality of life and can cause interruptions to treatment. Managing OM is imperative. PBM is the No. 1 way to prevent OM and is recommended by MASCC, the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer.
HOW SAFE IS PBM THERAPY?
PBM therapy was developed in the 1960’s and has been cleared by the FDA. Its safety and effectiveness has repeatedly been demonstrated through clinical research. It is completely pain free, with no negative side effects. The procedure can be safely performed on anyone, including children.
WHEN TO START PBM THERAPY?
OM starts to develop deep within the tissue and therefore, should be treated prior to the appearance of lesions. PBM is recommended as a preventive therapy and should begin when the cancer treatment begins.
HOW TO BEGIN?
Once your cancer treatment plan has been established with your doctor call 916.415.8767 or email steph@smilestou.com to schedule PBM therapy. Services can be provided to the greater Sacramento area and should begin one to three days before the initial cancer treatment.
Research | Resources
- GMA Laser Education | Leaders in PBM https://www.gmalasereducation.com
- Annette Quinn, RN, MSN | UPMC Hillman Cancer Centers, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Managing Oral Mucositis with PBM – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0QdlZQVn0s
- https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/features/the-use-of-photobiomodulation-for-oral-mucositis-in-patients-receiving-chemoradiotherapy-for-head-and-neck-cancer-a-university-of-pittsburgh-cancer-center-experience/
- Systematic review of photobiomodulation for the management of oral mucositis in cancer patients and clinical practice guidelines – Conclusions: The evidence supports the use of specific settings of PBM therapy for the prevention of OM in specific patient populations. Under these circumstances, PBM is recommended for the prevention of OM. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31286228/
- Long-term survival of a randomized phase III trial of head and neck cancer patients receiving concurrent chemoradiation therapy with or without low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to prevent oral mucositis – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28688677/
- Efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in oral mucositis: what have we learned from randomized studies and meta-analyses? – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22486724/
- Laser in dentistry: An innovative tool in modern dental practice https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3700144/
- Chemotherapeutics-Induced Intestinal Mucositis: Pathophysiology and Potential Treatment Strategies https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8129190/