Prophylactic Photobiomodulation in Oral Mucositis in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: Impact on Enteral Nutrition and Oral Complications

Introduction: Photobiomodulation (PBM) has emerged as a promising intervention for mitigating oral mucositis (OM) in individuals receiving radiotherapy. However, OM can precipitate serious consequences and increase patient health risks. Objective: The aim of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the manifestation of oral mucositis and determine the degree of need for enteral nutritional support in patients with head and neck cancer who underwent combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy while receiving preventive PBM. Additionally, we sought to identify other oral conditions that could arise in these patients. Materials and methods: Sociodemographic, clinical, treatment, oral mucositis and pain data, as well as enteral nutrition use, were collected. Statistical analysis used frequency distributions, mean, median, standard deviation , and Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests . Results: The study sample comprised 22 individuals, predominantly male and self-identified as brown, and the most common diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma. The data revealed that 21 patients developed OM throughout their oncological therapeutic course, with grades 2 (31.8%) and 3 (45.5%) representing the most severe stages. Notably, only 4 participants required enteral tube feeding, and all of them had OM grade greater than 2. Among the various oral complications observed, fungal infection, specifically pseudomembranous candidiasis , was the most common, affecting 17 patients. Conclusion: In summary, the preventive application of PBM suggests significant potential for minimizing dependence on enteral nutrition in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This approach is crucial to avoid potential interruptions in oncological therapy and to prevent a decline in the overall clinical status of these patients.