Evaluation of the Effect of Photobiomodulation on Radiation-Induced Xerostomia in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: Radiotherapy-induced xerostomia is an important side effect of head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is one of the new emerging methods for preventing or reducing this problem. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of PBM on radiation-induced xerostomia in HNC patients. Methods: Thirty-seven patients with HNC who were referred for radiotherapy to Mashhad cancer center. In the case group, an infrared diode laser was used in contact mode on 16 points (covering minor and major salivary glands). The device emitted a wavelength of 810 nm and operated at the power of 200 mW and continuous wave mode. Each area was irradiated for 4 seconds in contact mode with gentle pressure, and the laser energy was 0.8 J with an energy density of 2.85 J/cm2 at the surface of the probe (spot size, 0.28 cm2). The total dose was 45.6 J/cm2. The power density was 714.2 w/cm2. In the control group, the sham laser device was used. Subjective xerostomia was evaluated through the LENT SOMA scale (LSS). Stimulated and unstimulated saliva was also assessed. Data were analyzed with SPSS ver22 statistical software. Results: The study included 26 men and 11 women with a mean age of 55.6 +/- 15.3 years. In the sixth week, the case group produced more stimulated saliva than the control group (P= 0.006). They also had less subjective xerostomia than the control group in weeks four to six. Conclusion: In the present study, PBM had a preventive effect on stimulated saliva and subjective xerostomia and can be recommended as an adjunctive treatment. Further studies with a higher sample size and the use of a low-level laser in more sessions are needed for definitive comment.