The purpose of this pilot study was to determine whether photobiomodulation (PBM) might be effective for chemotherapy-induced palmo-plantar erythrodyesthesia (PPED), as it is for mucositis or radio dermatitis; no standard therapy exists for PPED. Patients were allocated to PBM or sham irradiation and were blindly assessed after 2 weeks. Pain and satisfaction with treatment were also evaluated. We found a significant benefit from PBM in comparison with sham treatment (p < 0.03) and a decrease of pain in 49% of the patients. No adverse reactions were observed. We concluded that PBM might represent a useful approach for the management of PPED.
Keywords: Chemotherapy-induced toxicity; Low-level laser; Palmo-plantar erythrodysesthesia; Photobiomodulation.