Photobiomodulation, which uses low-level red infrared light, may reduce the severity of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and increase mobility in patients with cancer, new research suggests. However, some experts question the study's validity.
It is"accompanied by both sensory and motor symptoms, such as pain or seizure, and muscle weakness, which limits the quality of life of our patients," she explained. "Photobiomodulation therapy is currently being used in our clinic to treat oral mucositis and radio dermatitis," she added, which prompted the researchers to study its effects in CIPN.
Participants were assessed at the start photobiomodulation therapy using the modified Total Neuropathy Score and a range of patient-reported outcome measures . Patients also completed the 6-minute walk test . A more striking result was seen when looking at the 6MWT, with highly significant improvements seen with the lower and the higher dose of photobiomodulation .An NRS used to rate patient satisfaction ranged from 0 to 10 . NRS scores indicated that overall, patients were moderately satisfied with the treatment with a slight decline in satisfaction at 6-month follow-up.