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Cancer research

New Study Results on Head and Neck Cancer Highlight the Effectiveness of Pharmacological and Low-Level Laser Therapy in Reducing Pain and Accelerating Healing

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new study published in the Dental Journal has shed light on the potential treatment of oral mucositis (OM) in patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. According to the research, a combination of pharmacological therapy and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) was effective in maintaining and improving the condition of the oral mucosa by reducing pain and ultimately improving the patient's quality of life.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study highlights the prevalence of oral mucositis in patients undergoing radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of both, affecting approximately 90% of patients (World Health Organization (WHO) criteria).
  • Pharmacological and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) are potential treatments to reduce pain and accelerate the healing process.
  • A 54-year-old man with post-hemi glossectomy diagnosed with tongue cancer was referred to the researchers with complaints of painful sores all over the oral cavity after receiving radiotherapy.
  • The combination of pharmacological therapy with LLLT was effective in maintaining and improving the condition of the oral mucosa by reducing pain and ultimately improving the patient's quality of life.
  • The researcher, Imme Kris Wicaksono, noted that the effectiveness of the treatment is "a significant improvement" compared to previous studies, where pharmacological therapy alone was not effective in alleviating OM.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 90% of patients undergoing radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of both experience oral mucositis.
  • The combination of pharmacological therapy with LLLT resulted in significant improvement in reducing pain and accelerating healing.
  • The study focused on a single case of a 54-year-old man with post-hemi glossectomy diagnosed with tongue cancer.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Universitas Padrjadjaran Researchers Update Current Data on Head and Neck Cancer (Pharmacological and low-level laser therapy in radiation-induced oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer). Health & Medicine Week. June 27, 2025; p 5062.
  • Dental Journal. Pharmacological and low-level laser therapy in radiation-induced oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer. 2025, 58(1):95-99.
  • Universitas Airlangga. Journal contact information: https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.20473/j.djmkg.v58.i1.p95-99.
  • Universitas Padjadjaran. Researchers and publication contacts: Imme Kris Wicaksono, Oral Medicine Residency Program, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia.

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