Effect of low-level laser therapy on radiotherapy-induced hyposalivation and xerostomia: a pilot study
Saleh J, Figueiredo MA, Cherubini K, Braga-Filho A, Salum FG
Photomedicine and laser surgery · 44 citations
How it was studied
- Design
- Randomized controlled trial (classified by our AI screen)
- Studied in
- People
- Main outcome
- Health markers and function
Who paid for it
- Funding
- Independent funding
- Government
- Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
Based on 1 listed funder(s).
Publication
- Published
- 2014-10-01 · Photomed Laser Surg · vol. 32 · issue 10 · pp. 546–552
- Publisher
- Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
- Cited
- 75 citations · more than 84% of similar papers · 1.7× the field average
- References
- 43 works
- Access
- Paywalled
- Research areas
- Salivary Gland Disorders and Functions · Oral health in cancer treatment · Laser Applications in Dentistry and Medicine
- Keywords
- Medicine, Low level laser therapy, Radiation therapy, Laser therapy, Dentistry, Laser, Surgery, Optics
- MeSH
- salivary glands, humans, head and neck neoplasms, xerostomia, radiation injuries, treatment outcome, pilot projects, salivation, adult, aged, middle aged, female, male, low-level light therapy
5 authors
From BR
- Jamil SalehHospital São Lucas da PUCRS; Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul
- Maria Antonia Zancanaro de FigueiredoHospital São Lucas da PUCRS; Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul
- Karen CherubiniHospital São Lucas da PUCRS; Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul
- Aroldo Braga‐FilhoHospital São Lucas da PUCRS; Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul
- Fernanda Gonçalves Salum · correspondingHospital São Lucas da PUCRS; Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul
Abstract
Objective
The present pilot study aimed to assess the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on hyposalivation and xerostomia as a consequence of head and neck radiotherapy.
Background data
The benefits of LLLT in salivary flow have been shown; however, there are no studies investigating its effects on patients who have already undergone radiotherapy and present hyposalivation and xerostomia as a sequela.
Methods
Twenty-three patients with a history of head and neck malignancy, who were treated by fractioned teletherapy (dosimetry ranging from 45 to 70 Gy) in the cervicofacial region were selected. They all presented with xerostomia and severe hyposalivation. Patients were randomly distributed into a laser group (n=12) and a control group (n=11). A GaAlAs laser (830 nm, 100 mW, illuminated area 0.028 cm2, 3.57 W/cm2, 20 sec, 2.0 J, 71 J/cm2) was used punctually in the major salivary glands, twice a week for 6 weeks, with a 12 session total. Stimulated and unstimulated salivary flow rate (SFR) were assessed, as well as the xerostomia and quality of life related to oral health (QLROH).
Results
The analysis did not show any significant difference between the groups with regards to the SFR and xerostomia, and the QLROH. However, at the end of the treatment, the xerostomia and the QLROH showed significant improvement in both groups compared with assessments performed at baseline, highlighting the importance of advice given to the irradiated patients, and their follow-up.
Conclusions
With the parameters used, LLLT was not able to increase SFR or decrease xerostomia. The results may be associated with the late effects of radiotherapy on glandular structure, such as fibrosis and acinar atrophy.
Abstract via Europe PMC. Copyright remains with the authors or publisher.
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