Photobiomodulation therapy in the management of chronic oral graft-versus-host disease

Patients treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) may experience oral complications associated with chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). These complications may significantly affect quality of life, even many years post-HSCT. Current treatment options for oral cGVHD are limited and often include steroid or other immunomodulatory medications, which may not adequately control the oral condition. A non-immunosuppressive intervention for symptomatic relief in oral cGVHD would thus be a welcome addition to the treatment paradigm.

We report seven cases of oral cGVHD that were treated with photobiomodulation therapy (PBM), previously known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Patients underwent at least two PBM treatments per week in addition to local treatment with steroids, and if on systemic therapies, these were either unchanged or dosage was reduced during the period of PBM therapy. Follow-up data is presented for 4 weeks of treatment.

Oral pain, sensitivity, and dry mouth improved in most patients. These findings suggest PBM therapy may represent an additional approach for management of oral cGVHD, and suggest that controlled studies should be conducted to confirm the efficacy and safety of PBM therapy in oral cGVHD and to determine optimal PBM therapy protocols.