Photobiomodulation therapy: Ushering in a new era in personalized supportive cancer care

The human body can utilize light for a broad range of pathophysiological responses, such as circadian rhythm, Vitamin D metabolism, and vision, among others. The therapeutic use of light has spanned many ancient health practices. Recent advances in using low-dose light therapy, termed photobiomodulation (PBM), have made tremendous progress in unravelling precise biological mechanisms and clinical dosimetry, enabling this treatment modality's clinical safety and effectiveness. The evidence for PBM has received its strongest endorsement via recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses recommending its routine use to address various acute and chronic side effects associated with cancer treatment. Carefully done studies have noted unequivocal evidence demonstrating its effectiveness in managing oral mucositis in patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, chemotherapy, or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This brief narrative review will explore the therapeutic benefits of PBM therapy, supported by recent research findings, to provide a comprehensive understanding of its potential in clinical settings. Additionally, the review will highlight our current understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying PBM and the importance of novel harmonized dosing that enables its optimal clinical implementation and utilization.