Proposta de novo protocolo de fotobiomodulação profilática para mucosite oral e orofaríngea induzida por quimioterapia: um estudo clínico randomizado

Abstract

Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) is widely used in oncological contexts, but the lack of standardized evaluations is the main barrier to optimizing clinical protocols. This study aims to investigate the clinical effects of PBMT in the prevention of oral and oropharyngeal mucositis (OM) induced by chemotherapy and/or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in adult patients, as well as to explore and correlate potential risk factors associated with this toxicity. A randomized clinical trial was conducted, in which participants were assigned to three PBMT groups. Group 1 received intraoral prophylactic PBMT, Group 2 received intraoral and oropharyngeal PBMT, and Group 3 received intraoral, oropharyngeal, and extraoral PBMT from the first day of chemotherapy infusion until D+10. The occurrence and severity of OM, odynophagia, and the presence of signs of oral cavity infections were evaluated. Information regarding the chemotherapy regimen, type of HSCT, underlying disease, hematological examinations, and sociodemographic data were also assessed. The study included 60 patients. Gender distribution was equal (50%) across the entire sample, and the age range varied from 18 to 74 years. 70% of individuals underwent chemotherapy alone, while 30% underwent HSCT. The most commonly used chemotherapeutic agent was Cytarabine (43.3%). OM was observed in 43.3% of patients, mainly in grades I and II. Odynophagia was reported in only 23.3% of individuals. The buccal mucosa was the most affected site by OM (35%). In the multivariate analysis, it was observed that the type of HSCT directly influenced the occurrence of OM. Individuals undergoing allogeneic HSCT had 1.93 times more chances of developing OM (p <0.001). Group 3 presented a higher frequency of OM, although in milder grades. Additionally, this group consisted of half of the population who underwent HSCT, had the highest percentage of melphalan use, and the lowest mean leukocyte count. All three protocols exhibited efficacy in the prevention and reduction of OM, displaying good tolerance and no reported toxicity. We assert the utilization of PBMT as a safe and effective approach for CT-induced OM prophylaxis in adults undergoing CT/HSCT.