A randomized controlled trial of visible-light therapy for the prevention of oral mucositis.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of a novel visible-light therapy (VLT) device for the prevention of oral mucositis in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients. A VLT-device suitable for intra-oral use was applied to 20 patients undergoing HSCT. The study design was placebo-controlled, randomized and double-blind. Oral mucositis was assessed using the OMAS and WHO scales. Oral pain and acceptance levels were scored by the patient using a 10-step scale. Patients were evaluated once a week until day 21 post-HSCT. Mucositis rate, severity and pain score were compared. At the third visit, 1week post-HSCT, mucositis rates were significantly lower in the treatment group (for both WHO and OMAS p=0.02). Mucositis was also less severe in the treatment group (for WHO p=0.01; for OMAS p=0.01). Furthermore, the patients in the treatment group reported lower pain levels (p=0.04). The treatment was well tolerated and highly accepted, with no reports of adverse events related to the device. These findings suggest that the VLT-device is safe and effective for the prevention of oral mucositis in patients undergoing HSCT.

• Authors: Sharon Elad, Noa Luboshitz-Shon, Tehila Cohen, Elad Wainchwaig, Michael Y Shapira, Igor B Resnick, Ruth Radiano, Rachel Lubart, Reuven Or
• Journal: Oral oncology (Oral Oncol) Vol. 47 Issue 2 Pg. 125-30 (Feb 2011) ISSN: 1879-0593 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 21163686 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Placebos

Topics

• Adult
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (adverse effects)
• Humans
• Light
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Mouth Mucosa
• Mucositis (etiology, prevention & control)
• Pain Measurement
• Phototherapy (instrumentation, methods)
• Placebos
• Treatment Outcome