Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a promising non-pharmacological approach for managing postoperative pain after dental implant placement. Yet, comparative data on red (650 nm) and near-infrared (810 nm) diode lasers remain limited and inconclusive. This double-blind, randomized controlled trial evaluated the short-term analgesic efficacy of 650 nm and 810 nm PBM on postoperative pain, analgesic intake, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) following single-implant placement in the posterior maxilla. Sixty patients were randomly assigned to receive PBM with 650 nm, PBM with 810 nm, or a sham control. The full treatment protocol involved a total of six laser therapy sessions (18 J total energy per site, three sessions per week for two weeks). However, for the primary outcome of acute pain evaluation, only the first two sessions were included in the analysis (immediately postoperatively and at 48 hours). Pain intensity (11-point Numeric Rating Scale) and analgesic use were recorded at 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours post-surgery. OHRQoL was assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire at baseline, one week, and after crown delivery, thereby encompassing the full six-session protocol. At 2 hours, both PBM groups reported significantly lower pain scores compared to the sham group (p< 0.05), with no severe pain observed in the PBM groups. The 650 nm group exhibited significantly reduced analgesic consumption at 2 and 6 hours (p< 0.05), indicating a superior early analgesic effect. Pain scores and medication use converged across groups after Day 1, with no significant differences observed by Day 2 and Day 3, indicating that the analgesic effect was transient and limited to the acute phase. While overall OHRQoL scores did not differ significantly, the 810 nm group showed improvement in the “physical disability” domain. These results suggest that PBM, particularly at 650 nm, may serve as an effective adjunct to improve early postoperative outcomes in minimally invasive implant procedures. 

Case series: First case of a 63-year-old female presenting with generalized, symptomatic oral mucosal ulcerative lesions in the oral cavity bilaterally on the buccal mucosa and in the vermillion border of the lower lip in a patient with history of rheumatoid arthritis managed with methotrexate with supplemental folic acid. PBM therapy consisted of three adjunctive sessions every 4-5 days.

The second case was a patient following mandibular extractions, alveoloplasty, immediate implant placement and free gingival graft resulting in a complete bilateral paresthesia of the mental nerve area (chin and lower lip) two weeks postoperatively. To enhance the neurosensory recovery, PBM therapy was delivered to intraoral surgical areas, adjacent extraoral zones, and regional lymph nodes over two sessions within one week.

The third case was a symptomatic female with recurrent abscesses around implant hybrid prosthesis on current antiresorptive therapy. Due to high rsik of osteonecrosis, PBM was implemented twice a week following removal of eight mandibular implants due to severe periimplantitis and debridement. In all cases, PBM therapy was delivered to intraoral surgical areas, adjacent extraoral zones, and regional lymph nodes for 60 seconds per site targeting intraoral affected areas and regional lymph nodes in several sessions twice a week.

PBM for all three cases was performed using Nd:YAG laser (Fotona), 1064 nm wavelength using Genova handpiece with 1 cm diameter at 0.5 W/cm2 and 10 Hz. Results: After two to three PBM sessions, all three patients reported improved symptoms and showed marked improvement in clinical appearance and function. For patient with ulcerative lesions, the patient reported and demonstrated complete resolution of symptomatic mucosal lesions following PBM therapy. For patient two, neurosensory function with over 90% deficit showed almost complete resolution of paresthesia and only minor residual hypoesthesia with no further interventions required. The third patient experienced slow yet favorable healing in the mandible with only one persistent area of slow healing. Conclusion: PBM is a safe, non-invasive modality that delivers low-level laser energy to target tissues and has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects. These cases highlight the potential benefit of adjunctive PBM in the management of severe inflammatory oral lesions and management of patients with complications and slow healing potential due to medical comorbidities.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) has demonstrated effects on mitochondrial function, cerebral blood flow, and neural signaling, yet clinical adoption remains limited due to inconsistent parameter selection and lack of objective targeting methods. EEG provides a real-time, non-invasive biomarker of brain function that may enable personalized PBM protocols. This study explores the integration of EEG-guided targeting with transcranial PBM (tPBM) to improve cognitive and neuropsychiatric outcomes. Participants with cognitive complaints (memory decline, mood disturbance, or neurological symptoms) underwent baseline EEG assessment to identify abnormal frequency patterns (e.g., excess delta/theta, dysregulated alpha). PBM protocols were selected based on EEG findings and applied over targeted cortical regions. The LED-based PBM device delivered 810 nm (primary) and 630–660 nm (adjunct) wavelengths at 10–50 mW/cm², with pulsed and continuous modes, across 3–10 J/cm² doses. Sessions lasted 5–20 min, two to three times per week, for 12–24 total treatments. Patients demonstrated consistent EEG normalization trends, including reductions in slow-wave excess and improvements in alpha and beta activity. Clinically, participants reported improvements in memory, mood, sleep, and cognitive clarity. Representative outcomes included reduced seizure frequency and duration in epilepsy cases, improved memory recall and executive function in cognitive decline, decreased dizziness and normalization of temporal slowing, and subjective mood improvements. These findings align with observed increases in higher-frequency EEG activity and improved network connectivity following tPBM. EEG-guided PBM represents a promising approach for individualized neuromodulation. By aligning PBM parameters with functional brain abnormalities, clinicians may improve treatment precision and outcomes. Further controlled studies are warranted to standardize EEG-guided PBM protocols and validate the observed cognitive and neuropsychiatric benefits.

• Understand the physiological mechanisms of photobiomodulation and its impact on mitochondrial function, cerebral blood flow, and neural signaling.
• Learn how EEG biomarkers can guide individualized photobiomodulation protocols and target specific cortical regions for neuromodulation
• Review clinical outcomes and case studies demonstrating the effectiveness of EEG-guided photobiomodulation for cognitive and neuropsychiatric conditions
• Recognize considerations for translating photobiomodulation research into clinical practice, including dosing parameters and safety considerations

Background/Objectives: Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) is widely used in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Although its clinical use continues to expand, the dose-dependent metabolic responses on specific musculoskeletal cell populations remain undefined. This study assessed the effects of 1064 nm PBMT on primary human tenocytes and bursa-derived cells across varying fluence and irradiance. Methods: Primary tenocytes and bursa-derived cells were cultured in 24-well plates and exposed to Hiro TT 1064 nm laser at fluences ranging from 1.5 to 6.0 J/cm? and irradiance levels of 90 or 125 mW / cm?. Treatments were administered once daily for three consecutive days. Cellular activity was assessed using an XTT assay and bright field microscopy was performed to assess cell morphology and confluency. Statistical analysis was compared to evaluate dose-dependent effects.

Results: PBMT demonstrated tissue-dependent effects on cellular metabolic activity and proliferation. In tenocytes, moderate fluence (4.5-6.0 J/ cm?) significantly increased metabolic activity compared with control. In contrast, bursa-derived cells exhibited smaller magnitude changes, with most treatment groups demonstrating neutral or modest deviations from control.

Conclusions: PBMT of 1064 nm wavelenght produced distinct dose-dependent responses in musculoskeletal cell types, with tenocytes demonstrating a threshold-dependent response and bursa-derived cells showing attenuated effects. These findings support the need for tissue-specific parameters when applying PBMT in clinical tendon-related applications.

Female infertility from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis poses a challenge for both clinicians and women who are trying to conceive. The present clinical single case report aimed to evaluate the efficacy of multiple wavelengths of red and near-infrared (NIR) laser photobiomodulation (PBM) for increasing the potential of fertility in a woman with PCOS, endometriosis and low ovarian reserve. The observations helped to inform and establish the following: (1) any adverse effects; (2) the possibility of producing an effective PBM protocol; and (3) a healthy live birth. The case report concerns a female who failed to conceive naturally beyond five years and had experienced one unsuccessful IVF cycle. Methods: Case report of one female subject with infertility issues, which included failure to conceive naturally beyond five years. Previous conditions were recorded and then compared with outcomes from after the patient received a course of PBM treatments. PBM treatments were given at weekly and/or at two-week intervals over a 5-month period during the follicular stage of the menstrual cycle, using IR and NIR wavelengths between 600 and 1000 nm. Results: After five months a spontaneous conception was achieved. The case resulted in a full-term pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby. Improvements in reproductive health outcomes in this case give reason to suggest that PBM helped to alleviate PCOS and endometriosis which could have been associated with a low ovarian reserve. Conclusions: The case report indicates that a multiwavelength of red and NIR-PBM laser therapy could have positively contributed to a healthy live birth in a female diagnosed with PCOS, endometriosis and a low ovarian reserve. Extensive studies with large data are warranted to validate our PBM dosimetry and treatment protocols to assess the potential impact of PBM for treating endometriosis and PCOS. Subsequently, to understand the genetic and phenotype biomarkers would be an important step further to standardise a range of PBM light dosimetry.

Radiotherapy is associated with significant adverse effects, including oral mucositis and radiation dermatitis. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is included in the Children’s Oncology Group Supportive Care Guidelines for the presentation and treatment of oral mucositis among children and adolescents receiving head/neck radiotherapy. This project aimed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of PBM in the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis and the treatment of radiation dermatitis in patients undergoing therapeutic radiotherapy. Methods: Three radiation oncology nurses were trained in PBM therapy applications, including clinical indication and treatment parameters. A standard operating procedure (SOP) for mucositis was developed with PBM delivered daily (Monday-Friday) prior to radiotherapy. Treatment was administered using the Thor® PBM system including the Lollipop (660nm/80nW: 850nm/60nW), LED Cluster (660nm/10nW; 850nm/30mW), and Dental Probe (810nm/200mW) in continuous wave with direct contact. Each site was treated for one minute, with dental probe spot treatment extended to 2 minutes if needed. Treated areas included the intraoral, extraoral (bilaterial cheeks and lips), extraoral (submandibular, bilaterial cervical, and esophagus regions). All radiation patients were assessed for radiation dermatitis. An SOP for dermatitis management utilized the LED Cluster device (660nm/10nW; 850nm/30mW) daily during radiation and as clinically indicated at the completion of therapy. The probe was positioned over the dermatitis, treating multiple points to include the affected region and up to 2 cm of surrounding non-irradiated tissue. Demographic and clinical data collected included patient diagnosis, age, radiation dose and duration, treatment site, number of PBM treatments, and photographic documentation. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Results: Forty-one patients, mean age 12 (range 1-25 years), received PBM during radiotherapy for prevention of mucositis or radiation dermatitis treatment. Eleven patients received PBM for mucositis prevention secondary to head and neck radiation. Of these, 92% of the PBM treatments were delivered prior to radiotherapy and developed only grade 1-2 mucositis. The remaining patients were treated for radiation dermatitis secondary to sarcomas, with visible improvement and healing occurring after an average of five PBM treatments. Conclusion: Photobiomodulation is a feasible intervention in the radiation oncology setting and is associated with reduced severity of oral mucositis and accelerated healing of radiation dermatitis. Successful implementation requires standardized protocols, trained nursing staff, and strong interdisciplinary clinical support.

Background and Aim Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a leading cause of chronic pain and functional limitation in older adults, with limited effective non-surgical treatment options. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has demonstrated analgesic and functional benefits in KOA, largely in clinic-based settings requiring repeated supervised treatments. This study evaluated the efficacy of self-applied, home-use PBM in a real-world setting. Methods This prospective, double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial with a pragmatic real-world design (NCT06773676) recruited adults aged ≥50 years with knee pain ≥40 on a visual analog scale (VAS) and functional limitation ≥1 month. Participants were randomized to active or sham PBM (B-Cure Laser, Haifa, Israel). Treatment (808 nm, pulsed, 15kHz [33% duty cycle], peak power 250mW, 4.5 cm² spot, 6 min × 3 points – aligned with WALT dose recommendations) was self-administered at home daily for 1 month and every other day during months 2–3. The primary outcome was change in average pain (VAS, mm) from baseline to 1 and 3 months (Δ1m; Δ3m); secondary outcomes included WOMAC physical function and SF-12 quality-of-life (QOL). Between-group comparisons were performed using ANCOVA adjusted for baseline values. Results Forty participants (active/sham 20/20) were included (age 65.4±7.2 years; Kellgren-Lawrence 2.4±0.8 [91% fulfilled ACR criteria for KOA], baseline pain 73±17mm). The active group demonstrated significantly greater pain reduction at 1 and 3 months (active vs sham: Δ1m 43±16mm vs 15±20mm, p<0.001; Δ3m 44±25mm vs 20±21mm, p=0.002). Compared with sham, significant improvements were observed in WOMAC function (p≤0.003 at both time points) and in mental QOL (p<0.001), with the active group reaching population norms at 1 month (40±10 to 51±6). Conclusions At-home PBM significantly reduced pain and improved function and mental health-related QOL in adults with KOA. As a self-applied, easy-to-use intervention, home-use PBM may enhance patient involvement and adherence. These findings support PBM as a safe, non-pharmacological, and practical adjunct to conservative KOA management.

Introduction: Breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL) is a common chronic complication following surgery and radiotherapy, characterised by impaired lymphatic drainage, limb swelling, and progressive tissue changes that negatively impact function and quality of life. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has been proposed to enhance lymphatic flow, reduce inflammation, and improve tissue repair. This study evaluates the clinical effects of PBMT on limb volume and patient-reported outcomes in patients with BCRL.

Methods: Experimental Level: Clinical Patients with clinically diagnosed BCRL underwent a course of PBMT as part of their lymphoedema management. Interstitial fluid level was assessed using bioimpedance spectroscopy (L-Dex) and circumferential tape measurements. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated using the LYMPHQOL questionnaire, a validated instrument assessing symptoms, function, and quality of life in lymphoedema populations. Assessments were performed at baseline (pre-treatment) and following completion of PBMT. Device Specifications: •Manufacturer, Location and Model: ASA Laser, Arcugnano, Italy, M8 MLS® Robotic Laser •Wavelength(s): 808 nm and 905 nm •Power: Up to 75 W peak •Mode: Synchronized continuous (808 nm) and pulsed (905 nm), frequency range 1–2000 Hz •Spot Size / Area: ~3 cm² (handpiece); ~20 cm² (robotic scanning head) •Probe Design: Combined single probe and multi-diode robotic cluster •Power Density: Not specified; variable due to MLS dual emission and robotic scanning delivery (manufacturer-provided) •Energy Density: 4–10 J/cm² (protocol-defined; delivered via manufacturer-programmed robotic scanning system) •Energy per point/area or total energy: 3.43j/cm2 over 30cm2 per treatment area •Treatment Specifications: •Treatment Time: 5–10 minutes per treatment region •Frequency of treatments: 2 times per week •Total Number of Treatments: 8 sessions over 4 weeks •Technique Used: Combined direct contact (handheld) and robotic scanning •Areas Treated: Local (lymph node dissection + chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment) •Location and Number of Points: At risk limb using scanning motion of Hand held following lymphatic drainage pathways •Grid Pattern/Sequential Treatment: Not applicable; continuous robotic scanning delivery over defined treatment area •Treatment Pattern: Sequential scanning with supplementary localised application •If Animals: No Results: PBMT was associated with reductions in limb volume as measured by both L-Dex and circumferential tape measurements. Improvements were also observed across LYMPHQOL domains, reflecting reduced symptom burden and improved functional outcomes. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant improvements in both objective and patient-reported measures following treatment (p< 0.05).

Conclusion: PBMT demonstrates clinical utility as an adjunctive therapy in the management of BCRL, with measurable reductions in limb volume and improvements in patient-reported outcomes. These findings support the integration of PBMT into multidisciplinary lymphoedema care for breast cancer survivors. Further research is warranted to optimise treatment parameters and evaluate long-term outcomes.

Introduction: Radiation-induced fibrosis is a common and debilitating late effect of head and neck cancer treatment, resulting in functional impairment and reduced quality of life. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has been proposed as a supportive intervention to modulate inflammation and promote tissue repair. This study evaluates the impact of PBMT timing by comparing outcomes in patients receiving PBMT concurrently during radiotherapy with those presenting later with established fibrosis who subsequently undergo PBMT, using the FACT/GOG-Ntx as a patient-reported outcome measure.

Methods: Experimental Level: Clinical This comparative cohort study included two patient groups: 1.Patients receiving PBMT concurrently during radiotherapy (early intervention group) 2.Patients presenting approximately 4 months post-radiotherapy with established radiation-induced fibrosis who subsequently commenced PBMT (delayed intervention group) Fibrosis-related symptoms were assessed using the FACT/GOG-Ntx questionnaire at baseline (pre-PBMT) and following completion of PBMT. The FACT/GOG-Ntx is a validated patient-reported outcome measure that assesses quality of life and neurotoxicity-related symptoms in patients undergoing cancer treatment. Device Specifications: •Manufacturer, Location and Model: ASA Laser, Arcugnano, Italy, M8 MLS® Robotic Laser •Wavelength(s): 808 nm and 905 nm •Power: Up to 75 W peak •Mode: Synchronized continuous (808 nm) and pulsed (905 nm), frequency range 1–2000 Hz •Spot Size / Area: ~3 cm² (handpiece); ~20 cm² (robotic scanning head) •Probe Design: Combined single probe and multi-diode robotic cluster •Power Density: Not specified; variable due to MLS dual emission and robotic scanning delivery (manufacturer-provided) •Energy Density: 4–10 J/cm² (protocol-defined; delivered via manufacturer-programmed robotic scanning system) •Energy per point/area or total energy: 4 J/cm2 over 50cm2 (during radiation treatment) Treatment Specifications: •Treatment Time: 2 minutes per treatment region •Frequency of treatments: 3 times per week over 5weeks (during RT) •Total Number of Treatments: 15 sessions over 5 weeks (throughout the course of RT) •Technique Used: Combined direct contact (handheld) and robotic scanning •Areas Treated: Local (irradiated head and neck tissues) •Location and Number of Points: Neck radiation treatment areas – up to 2 to 3 points •Grid Pattern/Sequential Treatment: Not applicable; continuous robotic scanning delivery over defined treatment area •Treatment Pattern: Sequential scanning with supplementary localised application •If Animals: No Results: Both groups demonstrated improvement in FACT/GOG-Ntx scores following PBMT. However, patients receiving PBMT concurrently during radiotherapy exhibited significantly less deterioration from baseline and superior overall outcomes compared to the delayed intervention group. Patients presenting with established fibrosis showed improvement post-treatment; however, their post-PBMT scores remained lower than those treated concurrently. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant improvements within groups and a significant difference between groups (p< 0.05).

Conclusion: PBMT is beneficial in both the prevention and management of radiation-induced fibrosis in head and neck cancer patients. However, earlier implementation during radiotherapy is associated with superior patient-reported outcomes compared to delayed treatment following fibrosis development. These findings support the integration of PBMT during radiotherapy to mitigate long-term toxicity, while also highlighting its therapeutic role in established fibrosis. Further research is warranted to optimise treatment timing and dosing parameters.

Introduction: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a serious genetic disorder characterized by structural alterations in hemoglobin that lead to vaso-occlusive crises and recurrent pain, significantly impacting quality of life. Adjuvant therapeutic approaches have been increasingly investigated, including vascular photobiomodulation (VPM), for its analgesic properties and ability to modulate microcirculation.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of VPM on pain control, vital signs, and hematological parameters in black patients with sickle cell disease from the southwestern region of Bahia, Brazil.

Methods: This is a semi-experimental, longitudinal, prospective, before-and-after study that included 10 adult patients with SCD (HbSC genotype). The VPM protocol consisted of five consecutive sessions. The application was performed on the left wrist, over the radial artery of the participants, using the DCM Therapy RC® equipment (DMC Equipamentos, São Carlos, São Paulo), with the following parameters: 660 nm laser (visible red), 100 mW power, beam diameter of 0.028 cm², continuous mode for 30 minutes, totaling 180 J of energy and fluence of 6428 J/cm². Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the McGill Pain Questionnaire. Vital signs were assessed before and after the intervention, over five consecutive days, and hematological parameters were analyzed before and after treatment. Statistical analyses were performed using the paired t-test or the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, depending on the data distribution, with a significance level set at 5%.

Results: A significant reduction in pain intensity was observed, with an immediate analgesic effect after the FBMV sessions. The magnitude of the response was most pronounced in the first days of treatment, with a progressive reduction in pain scores until the third day, when patients were almost pain-free. This improvement was accompanied by a decrease in heart rate, respiratory rate, and mean arterial pressure, as well as an increase in peripheral oxygen saturation, a clinically relevant finding suggesting improved tissue oxygenation. In the hematological profile, an increase in platelet count and mean corpuscular volume was identified, without significant changes in hemoglobin or hematocrit levels.

Conclusion: FBMV proved to be an effective and low-cost adjuvant therapy, demonstrating a positive impact on pain reduction, physiological modulation, and relevant hematological parameters in patients with sickle cell disease. Declarations: The study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles of research involving human beings, with approval by a Research Ethics Committee and obtaining informed consent from all participants.

Introduction: Oral mucositis (OM) is one of the most frequent and debilitating complications of antineoplastic therapy in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), directly impacting pain levels, nutrition, and therapeutic continuity.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) on the severity of oral mucositis, pain control, and influence on the oral microbiota in patients undergoing antineoplastic treatment.

Methods: Clinical study with 21 patients with head and neck cancer undergoing antineoplastic treatment. PBM was applied preventively and therapeutically, twice a week (≈10–14 sessions) for approximately 35 days, using DMC Therapy EC® equipment (DMC Equipamentos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil), with a single probe, in continuous mode and point application in direct contact with the mucosa. Wavelengths of 660 nm and 808 nm, power of 100 mW, irradiation area of ​​0.25 cm², and power density of 0.4 W/cm² were used. The application time per point varied between 5, 10, and 40 seconds, corresponding to energies of 0.5 J, 1 J, and 4 J and energy densities between 2.0 and 16.0 J/cm². The protocol was performed sequentially and diffusely, covering multiple regions of the oral mucosa, including buccal mucosa, lips, palate, tongue, and floor of the mouth, totaling approximately 47 to 62 points per session, with total estimated energy between 20 and 250 J per session. The protocol was adapted according to the individual clinical condition of each patient. Oral mucositis was classified according to the WHO (grades 0–4), and pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale. Saliva samples were processed in a laminar flow hood, with inocula in serial dilutions of 10⁻¹ to 10⁻⁴ seeded in Petri dishes for quantification of Candida spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutans, and total microorganisms. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk test and paired t-test (p<0.05).

Results: A significant reduction in CFU/mL was observed for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli at the end of treatment. PBM delayed the onset of oral mucositis, reduced its severity, and significantly reduced pain throughout the follow-up period.

Conclusions: PBM proved effective in preventing and reducing oral mucositis, controlling pain, and modulating the oral microbiota, contributing to better clinical outcomes in cancer patients.