Treatment of mucositis with combined 660- and 808-nm-wavelength low-level laser therapy reduced mucositis grade, pain, and use of analgesics: a parallel, single-blind, two-arm controlled study

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most frequent oral malignant neoplasia. As consequence of OSCC treatment, oral mucositis (OM) is one of the most common adverse effects of OSCC treatment. Currently, there is no consensus for OM treatment. The purpose of the current study was to test the combination of red and infrared low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for OM treatment. Primary culture of human fibroblast was performed to identify LLLT dose. After laboratory tests, a two-arm parallel, single-blind, controlled study was conducted. The two arms were group 1, both 660- and 808-nm wavelengths (300 J/cm², 9 J of total energy, 100 mW, spot size 3 mm²), and group 2, only 660-nm wavelength (300 J/cm², 9 J of total energy, 100 mW, spot size 3 mm²). Both treatments were performed twice a week. Group 1 presented a reduction of mucositis grade in comparison to group 2. Group 1 also presented reduction of analgesics prescription. But no significant differences between groups 1 and 2 were observed according to the pain scale. In conclusion, the current study demonstrated that a combination of red and infrared at a higher dose (300 J/cm²) reduced both oral mucositis grade and analgesics prescription. The effects of the combination of RT and LLLT are unclear and need more studies.