Why Light Therapy Is Emerging as a Powerful Supportive Tool in Oncology
In recent years, photobiomodulation (PBM), sometimes called red-light therapy, has been gaining attention as a powerful adjunct therapy in oncology. Across Europe, clinicians have recently released the first clinical guidance for the use of photobiomodulation in cancer supportive care, reflecting the growing body of research showing that targeted light therapy can significantly reduce treatment side effects and improve quality of life for cancer patients.
While PBM is not normally a treatment for cancer itself, it is increasingly being used to support patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and stem-cell transplantation by helping reduce tissue damage, inflammation, and pain. At Mito Core, where we focus on cellular function and regenerative therapies, photobiomodulation is particularly exciting because its benefits occur at the mitochondrial level.
What Is Photobiomodulation?
Photobiomodulation uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate biological processes in cells. These wavelengths penetrate tissue and are absorbed by cellular chromophores within the mitochondria.
This interaction can trigger several beneficial biological responses, including:
• Increased mitochondrial ATP production
• Reduced oxidative stress
• Improved microcirculation
• Modulation of inflammatory pathways
• Enhanced tissue repair and regeneration
Because PBM works by stimulating natural biological processes rather than suppressing symptoms, it is considered a non-invasive and low-risk therapy.
Why Cancer Patients Need Better Supportive Care
Modern cancer therapies have dramatically improved survival rates. However, treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation often produce significant side effects, including:
• Oral mucositis
• Radiation dermatitis
• Neuropathy
• Xerostomia (dry mouth)
• Fatigue
• Lymphedema
• Tissue fibrosis
• Tumour Lysis Syndrome (a die-off/detox syndrome)
These complications can significantly reduce quality of life and may even cause patients to interrupt or discontinue life-saving cancer therapy. Research increasingly suggests that photobiomodulation may help reduce these complications without interfering with conventional treatment.
The Strongest Evidence: Oral Mucositis
The most robust clinical evidence for PBM in oncology is for the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis, a painful inflammatory condition affecting the lining of the mouth during chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Multiple randomised clinical trials and international guidelines now support PBM use for treatment-induced mucositis prevention and treatment. This therapy utilises a handheld laser device delivering light to the oral tissue.
Expanding Applications in Oncology
Beyond mucositis, emerging research suggests PBM may help with several other cancer treatment side effects.
These include:
• Radiation Skin Damage: PBM can reduce inflammation and support tissue repair in radiation-induced dermatitis.
• Xerostomia (Dry Mouth): Photobiomodulation may help stimulate salivary gland function following radiation damage.
• Lymphedema: Studies suggest improvements in lymphatic flow and tissue healing.
• Pain and Neuropathy: PBM appears to modulate nerve signalling and inflammatory pathways involved in chronic pain.
• Fatigue and Tissue Healing: Because PBM supports mitochondrial energy production, it may assist cellular recovery after chemotherapy and radiation.
Is Photobiomodulation Safe for Cancer Patients?
One of the most common concerns is whether stimulating cellular metabolism could potentially stimulate tumour growth. Current evidence suggests that PBM used for supportive care does not increase cancer progression risk. The overall effect is that it makes the normal surrounding cells healthier, in order to promote regeneration, rather than target cancer cells. Clinical studies involving multiple cancer types have found no significant adverse effects associated with PBM therapy.
How Photobiomodulation Works at the Cellular Level
From a functional and regenerative medicine perspective, the most fascinating aspect of PBM is how it interacts with mitochondrial physiology. When red and near-infrared light reaches cells, it can:
• Stimulate cytochrome c oxidase
• Increase electron transport chain activity
• Improve ATP production
• Modulate reactive oxygen species
• Activate cellular repair pathways
This results in improved cellular energy availability and tissue repair capacity.
In simple terms, photobiomodulation helps cells recover from stress and injury more efficiently. Potentially, this means that the cells can then overthrow the cancer cells more effectively, with natural cellular processes such as autophagy.
The Future of Light Therapy in Cancer Care
As research advances, photobiomodulation is moving from an emerging therapy to a recognised component of integrative oncology supportive care. As evidence continues to grow, PBM may become a routine part of helping cancer patients tolerate treatment and recover more effectively.
The Takeaway
Cancer treatment is not only about targeting tumours: it is also about supporting the resilience of the patient. Photobiomodulation represents a promising tool that works at the cellular level to help tissues heal, reduce inflammation, and improve quality of life during cancer therapy.
As part of a broader regenerative medicine approach, light-based therapies offer a glimpse into the future of supportive cancer care, one that focuses on restoring cellular function, not just managing symptoms.
Key Research
Robijns J et al. (2022)
Photobiomodulation therapy in management of cancer therapy-induced side effects.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9468822/
Bensadoun RJ et al. (2020)
Safety and efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy in oncology.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7666741/
Parra-Rojas S et al. (2025)
Preventive photobiomodulation for oral mucositis: systematic review.
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/13/2/268