Photobiomodulation in the Management of Oral Mucositis and Xerostomia in Cancer Patients: Standardized Protocols, Mechanisms, and Effectiveness
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5335/rfo.v31i1.17943Keywords:
Photobiomodulation, oral mucositis, xerostomiaAbstract
Introduction: Oral complications resulting from cancer treatment, especially oral mucositis and xerostomia, represent a serious challenge to patients' quality of life, affecting 80–100% of those undergoing therapy. Objective: To conduct an integrative review on photobiomodulation (PBM) as an adjuvant therapy in the management of oral mucositis and xerostomia in cancer patients. Methodology: Integrative review conducted in the PubMed and SciELO databases, using specific descriptors combined with Boolean operators, including studies from the last 5 years in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Results: PBM demonstrated effectiveness using protocols with lasers ranging from 630–660 nm and 810–830 nm, power of 40–200 mW, and energy densities of 2–6 J/cm². Prophylactic protocols proved superior, reducing severe mucositis and preserving salivary function across various populations, including pediatric patients. Conclusion: PBM is established as a safe, effective, and cost-beneficial adjuvant strategy for managing oral complications in oncology and should be integrated into cancer supportive care protocols.
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