Comparing the Efficacy of High-Power and Low-Power Laser Therapy in the Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis in Pediatric Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Purpose Chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (OM) is a common complication in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This randomized controlled trial compared high-power laser therapy (HPLT), low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and placebo in managing OM in pediatric supportive care. Methods This parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial included 30 children (3–13 years) with chemotherapy-induced OM, randomized equally into HPLT, LLLT, or placebo groups (n = 10 each). Treatments were applied once daily for four days. OM severity was assessed at baseline (Day 1), Day 4, and Day 11 using WHO and ChIMES scales. Non-parametric tests (Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U) were used (p < 0.05). Results All participants completed the study without adverse events. Both HPLT and LLLT significantly reduced OM severity compared with placebo at Day 4 and Day 11 (p < 0.05). At Day 11, both HPLT and LLLT showed significant improvements versus placebo in WHO and ChIMES scores, with no significant difference between the two laser modalities. Conclusion Both HPLT and LLLT are safe and effective in reducing chemotherapy-induced OM in pediatric ALL patients. HPLT showed a non-significant trend toward greater improvement compared with LLLT. Relevance Photobiomodulation therapy may be a valuable adjunct in pediatric oncology supportive care to reduce OM severity and improve patient comfort during chemotherapy. Trial registration: ISRCTN18078092, registered on 23 May 2025.
Source: Research Square
Institutions: Damascus University, Al Andalus University
Language: English
Subfield: General Dentistry
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7204878765