Abstract

Objective. This study was conducted to judge the role of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the prevention of radiotherapy-induced xerostomia to improve oral function and reduce oral complication due to hyposalivation and thus enhancing survival. Materials and Methods. From June 2020 to February 2021, sixty patients with histopathologically proven squamous cell carcinoma (SSC) of head and neck prepared for treatment with head and neck irradiation were randomly assigned to receive their radiotherapy either concurrently with prophylactic LLLT and ordinary prophylaxis or radiotherapy with ordinary prophylactic measures only against xerostomia. Evaluation tools were unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rate (USSFR and SSFR), and the 11-item modified Xerostomia Inventory-Dutch questionnaire. Results. Thirty patients were included in each group, patients and tumor characteristics were proportionate no significant difference between pre-treatment of unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates and X1 score between both groups (p > 0.05). Comparison between groups after treatment revealed a significant decrease in USSFR, SSFR, and a significant increase in XI score of the control group compared with that of the laser group (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Low-level laser therapy is a significant modality to overcome the hyposalivation and xerostomia resulting from radiation therapy for patients with head and neck cancer.

Key words:

head and neck cancer, laser, radiotherapy, xerostomia