Photobiomodulation: A Systematic Review of the Oncologic Safety of Low-Level Light Therapy for Aesthetic Skin Rejuvenation

Abstract

Background Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy is an increasingly popular modality for aesthetic skin rejuvenation. PBM induces genomic, proteomic and metabolomic processes within target cells but such manipulation of cell behavior has led to concerns about oncologic safety. Objectives This article presents a summary of the clinical and pre-clinical evidence for the oncologic safety of PBM for aesthetic skin rejuvenation. Methods A focused systematic review was performed, wherein safety data from clinical trials of PBM for skin rejuvenation was supplemented by analyses of in vitro data using cells derived from human skin and human neoplastic cells and in vivo data of tumors of the skin, oral cavity and breast. Results Within established parameters, red/near infrared light mainly enhances proliferation of healthy cells without a clear pattern of influence on cell viability. The same light parameters mainly reduce neoplastic cell proliferation and viability or else make no difference. Invasiveness potential (appraised by cell migration assays and/or differential gene expression) is equivocal. PBM does not induce dysplastic change in healthy cells. In vivo tumor models yield varied results with no clear pattern emerging. There are no relevant clinical trials data linking PBM with any significant adverse events including the finding of a new or recurrent malignancy. Conclusions Current clinical and pre-clinical evidence suggests that PBM is oncologically safe for skin rejuvenation and there is no evidence to support the proposition that it should be avoided by patients who have previously undergone treatment for cancer.

Unlocking the Power of Light on the Skin: A Comprehensive Review on Photobiomodulation

“…Concerning the potential for carcinogenesis or the application of this therapy to oncology patients, PBM has been widely utilized for alleviating skin and mucous membrane irritation post-radiotherapy for head and neck and breast cancers, with no reported pro-oncogenic effects [8,218,219]. A recently published paper stands out that, although there may be theoretical concerns, there is currently insufficient clinical evidence to substantiate the notion that PBM should be avoided in patients undergoing cancer treatment, those with a history of cancer, or individuals with cancer risk factors [21].…”

“…Compared to other treatment modalities with light, PBM offers several advantages. PBM is noninvasive, cost-effective [20], and convenient for patients, with a very favorable safety profile [21]. Additionally, PBM can be used as an alternative or in combination with traditional pharmacological therapies [22].…”

Devices used for photobiomodulation of the brain—a comprehensive and systematic review

“…Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a non-invasive therapy that entails the use of red to infrared (IR) light (wavelengths of 600 to 1100 nm) to stimulate cellular processes that promote tissue healing and regeneration [ 1 – 3 ]. Additionally to being studied and used as a therapy for pain relief [ 4 , 5 ], wound healing and skin rejuvenation [ 6 , 7 ], the neuromodulation effects of PBM, when applied to the scalp, have been increasingly more studied, with several clinical studies showing that it could be a safe, non-invasive, and non-destructive alternative to conventional treatments for various neurological disorders.…”