NCPD Article

Low-Level Laser Therapy: A Literature Review of the Prevention and Reduction of Oral Mucositis in Patients Undergoing Stem Cell Transplantation

Michelle Biala

oral mucositis, low-level laser therapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
CJON 2022, 26(3), 293-299. DOI: 10.1188/22.CJON.293-299

Background: Oral mucositis (OM) is a highly debilitating complication of high-dose chemotherapy and total body irradiation used in conditioning regimens for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Research has studied low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as an alternative treatment for OM because of its anti-inflammatory activity, biomodulation, and analgesic effects.

Objectives: This study reviews evidence on the effectiveness of LLLT using diode lasers on the prevention and reduction in severity of OM in patients with cancer undergoing HSCT.

Methods: A literature search was performed in PubMed®, CINAHL®, Scopus®, and MEDLINE® databases. Six randomized controlled trials and one cohort study met the inclusion criteria.

Findings: The data demonstrate promising outcomes for reducing the incidence and severity of OM using LLLT. Larger, tightly controlled clinical trials are needed in the future.

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