Advancing Cancer Support: The Role of Photobiomodulation in Preventing Oral Mucositis

Oral mucositis (OM) remains one of the most painful and debilitating side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. It not only compromises quality of life but can also lead to significant complications, including malnutrition, treatment delays, and hospitalization.

Understanding Oral Mucositis: A Burden Beyond Pain

Oral mucositis is characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the oral mucosa. For patients, this often translates to excruciating mouth pain, difficulty eating, swallowing, and speaking, and an increased risk of secondary infections. Incidence rates are striking, up to 80% of pediatric patients and more than 50% of adults receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy experience OM, particularly when treated with agents such as methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, and cisplatin.

For younger patients, especially those undergoing treatment for leukemia, the effects can be particularly severe. Standard care options, including pain medications, mouth rinses, and supportive nutrition often fall short. Children may be unable to use topical rinses effectively or tolerate systemic pain management, increasing their risk of dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, or the need for PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) tube placement to maintain caloric intake.

A Transformational Therapy: How PBM/LLLT Works

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) utilizes low-level red and near-infrared light to promote tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain at the cellular level. By stimulating mitochondrial activity and increasing ATP production, PBM accelerates regeneration in damaged mucosal tissues, without the need for drugs or invasive procedures.

Treatments are brief, painless, and well-tolerated by both adults and children. Most importantly, PBM addresses the root of the issue rather than masking symptoms, making it a preventive and therapeutic intervention rather than reactive support.

Evidence-Based Benefits of PBM in Oncology

PBM is no longer considered investigational. Multiple randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews have confirmed its efficacy in reducing both the incidence and severity of oral mucositis:

• Decreased OM rates from over 60% to under 10% in some patient groups

• Shortened duration and intensity of mucosal lesions

• Reduced reliance on opioids and other pain medications

• Improved oral intake and nutritional status

• Fewer treatment interruptions due to complications

One 2025 clinical trial focused on children with leukemia reported a reduction in OM from 66.7% to 6.7% with PBM used prophylactically—demonstrating its value even in high-risk pediatric populations​.

WHO - Oral Mucositis Scale

International Recognition and Upcoming U.S. Coverage

The strength of this evidence has prompted international consensus. The Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) and the International Society of Oral Oncology (ISOO) now formally recommend PBM for the prevention of OM in patients receiving head and neck radiation, chemotherapy, or undergoing stem cell transplantation.

In the United Kingdom, PBM is already integrated into standard oncology protocols. In the United States, PBM has been recognized as a preventive intervention for oral mucositis and beginning in 2026, insurance reimbursement will be available, expanding access to this critical supportive therapy.

Why PBM Remains Underutilized in the U.S.

Despite its proven benefits, many oncologists in the U.S. are not yet fully aware of PBM or its clinical applications. Historically, the therapy has been underutilized due to:

• Lack of insurance coverage (until now)

• Limited exposure in conventional oncology training

• Categorization as a “non-pharmaceutical” intervention

As reimbursement becomes available and awareness grows, adoption is expected to increase significantly.

A Compassionate, Evidence-Based Approach to Healing

At Solasta, we believe patients deserve more than symptom management, they deserve care that supports healing, resilience, and quality of life. Our PBM therapy programs are designed to integrate seamlessly into cancer care plans, supporting both adults and children through one of the most challenging aspects of treatment.

If you or a loved one is preparing for cancer therapy and wants to learn more about how PBM can support your journey, we invite you to contact our team. We’re here to provide compassionate, research-informed care that truly makes a difference.

Solasta
Light-based therapies. Science-backed healing. Whole-person care.