Abstract
Photobiomodulation (PBM) is now over 50 years old and has recently started to gain more widespread acceptance within the medical community. Alleviation of the side effects of cancer therapy has so far been one of the most impressive applications of PBM and the focus of this chapter. I will cover the mechanism of action and ask whether the effects of PBM on cancer cells and tumors is more likely to be positive or negative. There are some ways that PBM could actually attack the cancer either directly or indirectly, or in combination with other cytotoxic therapies. Finally, I will summarize the clinical applications of PBM against such side effects as oral mucositis, radiation dermatitis, dysphagia, hyposalivation and xerostomia, taste alterations, trismus, head and neck lymphedema, and voice and speech alterations.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Orofacial Supportive Care in Cancer |
| Subtitle of host publication | A Contemporary Oral Oncology Perspective |
| Publisher | Springer International Publishing |
| Pages | 255-286 |
| Number of pages | 32 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9783030865108 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9783030865092 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2022 |
Keywords
- Anti-cancer effects
- Cancer therapy side effects
- Dysphagia
- Head and neck lymphedema
- Hyposalivation and xerostomia
- Oral mucositis
- Photobiomodulation
- Radiation dermatitis
- Taste alterations
- Trismus
- Voice and speech alterations
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Dentistry
- General Medicine
