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Open Access 01-11-2024 | Radiotherapy | Review

Photobiomodulation therapy for mitigating severity of radiodermatitis in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy: a scoping review

Authors: Devika Rao, Cliva Neha Dsouza, Smitha S Prabhu, Praveen Kumar, Vijendra Prabhu

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 11/2024

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Abstract

Purpose

Radiodermatitis (RD) is an adverse effect of radiation therapy. RD can negatively impact quality of life and can also hinder treatment in cancer patients. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has the potential to treat RD at the cellular level, and it is more promising compared to other therapy alternatives. This review aims to examine the effectiveness of PBMT for the treatment and management of RD in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.

Methods

The methodology followed for the review was based on the framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley, and the extensions by Levac et al. This involved a literature search in Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane without any time limit, for original articles on the basis of the inclusion criteria, i.e., studies focusing on the effectiveness of PBMT on RD in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy as an anticancer treatment. The review has been reported on the basis of the PRISMA-ScR checklist.

Results

A total of 14 studies were reviewed, of which only 2 (14.28%) studies reported no significant effect of PBMT on RD; the remaining studies reported positive outcomes (85.71%) with no adverse effects. Among studies with positive outcomes, PBMT has been shown to be beneficial in reducing the severity of RD. Furthermore, PBMT application has been studied as a preventive measure (35.71%), treatment and management (50%), and for both the prevention and cure of RD (14.29%).

Conclusion

Overall, PBMT can be considered a reliable and effective treatment modality for reducing the severity of RD. However detailed studies related to the long-term effects of PBMT, its effect on pain intensity and quality of life (QoL) will aid in better assessment of the technique. More clinical trials with a broader sample size could also aid in fine-tuning the efficacy of PBMT treatment modalities.
Literature
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go back to reference Menon A, Prem SS, Kumari R (2021) Topical betamethasone valerate as a prophylactic agent to prevent acute radiation dermatitis in head and neck malignancies: a randomized, open-label, phase 3 trial. International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics 109:151–160. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.IJROBP.2020.08.040 Menon A, Prem SS, Kumari R (2021) Topical betamethasone valerate as a prophylactic agent to prevent acute radiation dermatitis in head and neck malignancies: a randomized, open-label, phase 3 trial. International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics 109:151–160. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1016/​J.​IJROBP.​2020.​08.​040
Metadata
Title
Photobiomodulation therapy for mitigating severity of radiodermatitis in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy: a scoping review
Authors
Devika Rao
Cliva Neha Dsouza
Smitha S Prabhu
Praveen Kumar
Vijendra Prabhu
Publication date
01-11-2024
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword
Radiotherapy
Published in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 11/2024
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-024-08944-y

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