Impact of Laser Photobiomodulation Therapy on Oral Mucosal Integrity in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy During Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Background Oral mucositis (OM) is the most common acute complication in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It affects up to 85% of patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation. Prevention of OM is crucial in oncological care, as its occurrence is associated with poorer clinical outcomes and reduced quality of life for patients. Currently, photobiomodulation (PBM) is an effective method for the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis in patients after bone marrow transplantation. Low-level light therapy allows for the modulation of cellular activity and the induction of therapeutic effects. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of conventional methods of treating oral mucositis and a therapeutic technique using laser phototherapy in a group of patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation. The biostimulating laser study was completed in 2019. Methods The study group consisted of 50 patients with chemotherapy complications in the form of severe oral mucositis who underwent hematopoietic cell transplantation. Two different doses of laser radiation were used. The collected data were compared with each other and with a control group. Results It was found that the absence of OM was significantly more frequent in the group treated with laser therapy compared to the control group. After photobiomodulation, 60% of patients in the study group showed no symptoms of OM. Conclusions Photobiomodulation is effective in reducing inflammation symptoms and improving oral health in cancer patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.