(90) Photobiomodulation Therapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Mucositis

Title: Photobiomodulation Therapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Mucositis

Abstract : Photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) is an LED light that works by targeting the mitochondria of the cell, increasing cellular energy and overall decreasing pain and inflammation. At UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, PBM is administered on all bone marrow transplant patients ages two months and above to prevent and treat oral mucositis. Administration begins on the first day of chemotherapy or radiation, and continues until engraftment and resolution of mucositis. Chart analysis revealed that 85% of the bone marrow transplant patients were on as-needed or scheduled opioids for oral mucositis pain and 63% on continuous opioids, prior to PBM. The goal of this project was to decrease the incidence of oral mucositis, and subsequently limit the amount of opioids being used. After initiating PBM, 45% of the patients are now on as-needed or scheduled opioids and 44% of patients are on continuous opioids. The population of bone marrow transplant patients includes both malignancy and non-malignancy. We plan to transition to the oncology population in the coming months.