2023-07-03 08:02:00
What is photobiomodulation? What are its indications and what is its interest? Initially developed for aesthetic applications and then in sports recovery, it has found recent but growing interest in many therapeutic fields, including oncology. Explanations.
What is photobiomodulation?
The photobiomodulationencore called low energy laser/LED therapy (LLLT pour Low Level Laser Therapy in English), is a technique using laser, which was developed more than 30 years ago. Used initially and still widely today in the field of aesthetics and rejuvenationit would contribute to:
Firm the skin; Reduce pain; Promote blood circulation.
To know ! The healing powers of photobiomodulation have been demonstrated thanks to the conquest of space, this technique having been used in space to compensate for slowed healing of wounds in weightlessness.
With such effects, photobiomodulation was quickly also used in sports recovery after exercise, especially in top athletes, like other approaches, such as cryotherapy. Its interest in the medical field is more recent, but photobiomodulation is potentially beneficial in different circumstances, in dermatology, in neurodegenerative diseases and in cancers.
Read also – The impact of cancer treatments on women’s quality of life
Photobiomodulation, a booming oncological support treatment
In oncology, photobiomodulation has several important advantages. In fact, she performs analgesic effects (against pain), anti-inflammatory and healing. Moreover, this technique is non-invasive, totally painless and without any side effects. It is therefore increasingly used in the context of supportive care, to promote tolerance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments. In practice, photobiomodulation consists of exposing cells or tissues to a specific light (particular wavelength) to stimulate the activity of cells or tissues (sort of like sunlight stimulates photosynthesis of plant cells) .
Currently, it is indicated in several contexts:
Promote wound healing tissues damaged by anti-cancer treatments, for example radiodermatitis, these skin burns following radiotherapy sessions; Improve immune response and therefore reinforce the action of anti-cancer treatments; Reduce inflammationfor example by preventing mucositis, which results from an inflammation of the oral mucous membranes; Prevent or treat certain side effects chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Read also – Malnutrition, an issue in advanced stage cancer
The interest of photobiomodulation in many cancers
And other situations could soon be the subject of photobiomodulation sessions. Clinical trials are underway to assess its interest in the management of peripheral neuropathies induced by certain chemotherapies, skin fibrosisof the lymphedema (swelling of the lower and/or upper limbs), or of the dry mouth. Gradually, cancer care centers are equipping themselves with photobiomodulation devices to benefit as many patients as possible.
Photobiomodulation can be used in patients with different cancers, such as:
breast cancer; ENT cancers; Anal cancer; Gynecological cancers; Cancers whose treatments cause peripheral neuropathies and/or alopecia (hair loss). Read also – Vitiligo: The interest of phototherapy
Estelle B., Doctor of Pharmacy
Sources
– Photobiomodulation: preventing and treating certain side effects of cancer treatments. www.gustaveroussy.fr. Accessed June 14, 2023.
– Photobiomodulation, light for the benefit of quality of life. www.hopitalrivierachablais.ch. Accessed June 14, 2023.
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