Introduction: Oral mucositis is a common morbid condition which is associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy for which there is no standard treatment or prophylactic method. According to past studies the use of low level laser therapy (LLLT) can reduce the severity of mucositis in such conditions, both as treatment and a prophylactic factor.
Material and Method: From Sep 2006 to March 2009, 30 patients with carcinoma of oropharynx_Hypopharynx and oral cavity who were being treated with radiotherapy enrolled in the study; none of the patients were receiving concomitant chemotherapy. Malignant tumor was located outside the tested laser application areas. Patients were randomized to LLLt and placebo treatment starting on the 1st day of radiotherapy through the whole period of their treatment. Objective assessment of the degree of mucositis was recorded every other day by a physician blinded to the type of treatment using the WHO scale for grading of mucositis.
Results: All 39 patients developed degrees of mucositis during their course of radiotherapy.The maximum grade of mucositis was studied and the severity of mucositis appeared to be significantly higher in the non LLLT group (p=.04).
Conclusion: LLLT is capable of reducing the severity and duration of oral mucositis associated with radiation therapy.