How red light therapy helps cancer patients manage treatment side effects
The green light for red light therapy.
“How does red light therapy (photobiomodulation) help cancer survivors?”
Dr. Annissa M. Ceja, ND, explains the clinical applications of red light therapy (photobiomodulation) in integrative oncology. She outlines how low-level light therapy alleviates treatment side effects including neuropathy, oral mucositis, radiation dermatitis, and post-chemo hair loss.
Essential Notes:
Photobiomodulation (PBM) uses non-invasive LED or laser light to stimulate cellular healing and lower tissue inflammation.
PBM is clinically recognized for reducing chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy and chronic joint pain.
Red light therapy can accelerate hair follicle recovery post-chemotherapy and heal radiation-damaged skin.
Patients should always consult their oncology team before starting complementary photobiomodulation therapies.
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), or low level laser therapy, offers a promising array of benefits for cancer patients and survivors.
While not a standalone cure, research suggests that light-emitting diodes (LED) or lasers can be therapeutic. Literature has shown that PBM can be effective in mitigating the side effects of traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy and may even prevent deleterious side effects like fibrosis.
Red light therapy can reduce inflammation, decrease pain, promote faster wound healing, and improve quality of life for cancer patients. A few clinical trials also indicate that this therapy may even increase survivability.
What is photobiomodulation and how does it work?
Photobiomodulation involves applying specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to target tissues. At a cellular level, these light wavelengths stimulate mitochondrial function, enhancing cellular energy production (ATP) and accelerating natural tissue repair.
Benefits for chemo neuropathy, radiation dermatitis, and lymphedema
In addition to supporting cancer treatment, PBM has been found to be beneficial for cancer survivors in managing various post-treatment issues:
Alleviating chronic pain and neuropathy: A common, debilitating issue for cancer survivors following chemotherapy.
Accelerating hair growth: Stimulates hair follicles post-chemotherapy.
Healing skin and mucosal damage: Effectively treats oral mucositis and radiation dermatitis.
Lymphedema support: Helps mitigate tissue swelling in breast cancer-related lymphedema.
Safe implementation and integrative oncology care
Overall, although more trials are needed to validate results, PBM is considered a very safe and generally well tolerated therapy that can provide an array of benefits that can help the overall well-being and quality of life for cancer survivors.
Disclaimer: The information above is for educational purposes only. Always check with your doctor before starting any new treatments or therapies.
Learn more about integrative approaches to cancer recovery by reading what are the early symptoms of young-onset metastatic colorectal cancer.
You don't have to navigate this alone.
Managing persistent treatment side effects like neuropathy and fatigue can feel overwhelming. Lean on our community for complementary health resources and peer connection. Connect with our virtual and in-person survivor support groups today.