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Photobiomodulation modulates inflammation and oral microbiome: a pilot study.
Nunzia Zanotta1, Giulia Ottaviani2, Giuseppina Campisciano1
1Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy.
Summary
Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy effectively reduces inflammation and improves the oral microbiome in patients with oral mucositis (OM). This cancer therapy side effect management shows promise for enhancing patient quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Microbiology
Background:
- Oral mucositis (OM) is a debilitating side effect of cancer therapies, significantly impacting patient quality of life and potentially leading to treatment interruption.
- Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy is an emerging strategy showing potential for accelerating wound healing in OM patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of PBM on the inflammatory response in patients with OM.
- To analyze how PBM influences the composition of the oral microbiome in OM patients.
Main Methods:
- Collected buccal swabs from four OM patients in ulcerated and healthy areas before, during, and after PBM therapy.
- Measured concentrations of 38 cytokines and analyzed oral microbiome composition.
Main Results:
- PBM therapy reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines.
- PBM modulated the oral microbiome, decreasing pathogenic species and promoting commensal bacteria growth.
- Observed more pronounced changes in patients who clinically responded to PBM.
Conclusions:
- PBM therapy effectively reduces the inflammatory burden associated with oral mucositis.
- PBM positively influences oral microbiome composition, offering a potential therapeutic benefit for OM patients.
