UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Objective:Cancer therapy normally affects malignant and normal cell with high replication rates. Epithelial cells in the gastrointestinal tract are therefore commonly affected by cytotoxic effects of the drugs. This often results in the development of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (COM). Application pf low level laser therapy (LLLT) has been shown to be a simple technique to prevent and treat oral mucositis of various origins. The aims of this investigation were to evaluate the effect of LLLT on prevention of COM. Methods: Thirty three patients with heamatologic malignancy hospitalized to undergone chemotherapy in Imam Hospital were included to the study. These patients were divided into two groups. The oral cavity of the patients were illuminated by continues laser beam using a GaAlAs laser device with wavelength of 630 nm, power output 30 mW, and dose of 5 J/cm2 for six days (LLLT group). The patients in the second group were undergone placebo irradiation (power output equal to zero) with the similar protocol. The severity of the COM was clinically evaluated based on WHO gading scale. Xereostomia (dryness) was measured using a standard visual analogue scale. Quality of life of the patients using was assessed before and after the intervention according to EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Results:The incidence of COM in LLLT group (31%) was lower than placebo group (41%). Mean duration COM healing was 4.8 and 12 in LLLT and placebo groups, respectively that there was statistical significant difference (0.03). Mean of xereostomia severity in LLLT group was significantly lower than placebo group ((p=0.007).