A Study to Describe the Effect of Photobiomodulation (Low Level Laser Therapy) in Reducing the Severity and Incidence of Oral Mucositis (Oral Ulceration) in Oral Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiation Treatment

BACKGROUND: Strong evidence exists within the literature regarding the effectiveness and safety of PBM in preventing oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients. PBM is recommended in the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer and National Institute of Health and Care Excellence oral mucositis prevention guidelines, as a treatment modality for oral mucositis prevention in H&N cancer patients. PBM using the THOR laser has received TGA approval for use in prevention and treatment of oral mucositis in Australia.

PARTICIPANTS: post operative oral cancer patients, with clear margins, planned for radiotherapy (50Gy or greater) +/- chemotherapy.

METHODS: participants will receive PBM treatment five times a week throughout the course of their radiotherapy.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES: decrease in incidence and severity of oral mucositis, decrease in pain levels and improved quality of life, less need for analgesia, increased ability to maintain oral intake, less severe trismus, lower rates of hospitalization

Inclusion criteria

• Patient has provided written informed consent using the PBM PICF
• Age ≥ 18 years of age at Screening
• Histological diagnosis of HNC of the oral cavity with no evidence of macroscopic or microscopic residual disease post-surgery (R0 or R1 resection) with histopathological confirmation and no gross residual lymphadenopathy in the planned PBM treatment area
• Planned treatment with RT or chemoradiotherapy to a dose of ≥ 50 Gy Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status of 0 or 1 (Appendix 1)
• Intact oral mucosa (no visible ulceration, dehiscence, or active infection)

Exclusion criteria

• Gross macroscopic and/or microscopic residual disease post-surgery (R2 resection) or gross residual lymphadenopathy in the planned PBM treatment area
• Prior RT to the head and neck including the oral or oropharyngeal mucosa
• Prior cytotoxic chemotherapy in the last 3 months
• Diagnosis of photosensitive disorder (cutaneous porphyria, xeroderma pigmentosum, etc)
• Concurrent administration of cetuximab
• Known to be pregnant or planning to become pregnant within the trial period
• Diagnosis of epilepsy