EFFECTIVENESS OF LOW-LEVEL LASER THERAPY (LLLT) IN THE TREATMENT OF ORAL MUCOSITIS IN CANCER PATIENTS

Abstract

Oral mucositis is a frequent complication of cancer treatment, particularly in patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and may cause pain, feeding difficulties, functional impairment, and reduced quality of life. In this context, Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as photobiomodulation therapy, has been investigated as a preventive and therapeutic strategy. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of LLLT in the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis in cancer patients. A systematic literature review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) recommendations, using scientific databases and a structured search strategy based on the PICO framework. Studies involving patients undergoing antineoplastic treatment and receiving photobiomodulation were analyzed, with comparisons involving placebo, conventional treatment, or alternative protocols. The findings showed a predominance of favorable results, particularly regarding reductions in mucositis severity and pain intensity, as well as potential improvements in quality of life. However, substantial heterogeneity among treatment protocols limits the establishment of universal parameters. It is concluded that LLLT has potential as an adjunctive therapy for the management of oral mucositis, although further studies with greater methodological standardization are required..