PHOTOBIOMODULATION THERAPY FOR ORAL MUCOSITIS MANAGEMENT IN HEAD AND NECK CANCER PATIENTS UNDERGOING RADIOTHERAPY: CASE REPORTS

Abstract

Introduction: Photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) has been recommended for the prevention of oral mucositis (OM). Objective: to evaluate the use of PBM to prevent and control the severity of oral mucositis lesions and painful sensitivity in patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment. Case reports: Eight patients with HNC attended for radiotherapy treatment, either associated with chemotherapy, or not were followed up. Clinical evaluation was performed, including meticulous anamnesis. The patients were followed up throughout the entire period of radiotherapy treatment. For the protocol of prophylaxis of OM, low level laser equipment was used, with a wavelength in the range of 660nm, in a contact mode, 30 mW of continuous emission 4J/cm² three times per week and for the therapeutic protocol wavelength in the range of 660nm, in a contact mode, 30 mW of continuous emission 8 J/cm², in the respective areas compromised by oral mucositis, 3 times per week till the complete remission of the lesions. All the patients were clinically followed up from the beginning of the antineoplastic therapy up to the conclusion of the medical treatment or total remission of the oral lesion, involving post radiotherapy control. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measure pain every week. Results: A progressive development of the lesions was observed from the 1st to the 5th week. Remission of OM was observed from the 7th week up to the conclusion of treatment. There is a continuous increase in the pain process, attaining the maximum level in the 6th week, with decline occurring up to the 7th week. Conclusion: Photobiomodulation therapy was able to control the severity of OM lesions and painful sensitivity in patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer treatment, avoiding the interruption of the cancer therapy.