Founder and CEO of THOR Photomedicine Ltd, Electronics Engineer

James has been working on Photobiomodulation for 30 years (since 1987). He is a recognised authority on Photobiomodulation dose, dose rate effects and the measurement and reporting of parameters. He has written or co-authored 18 published academic papers and three books on Laser Photobiomodulation.

His most recent appointments include: Biomedical Optics Society conference chair (2009 – to-date), Fellow of The Royal Society of Medicine (2009 – to-date), Editorial Board of Photomedicine and Laser Surgery (2008 to-2015), and served on the World Association for Laser Therapy (2000 – 2004) and the North American Association for Laser Therapy (2002 – 2006). James presented Photobiomodulation to the United Nations Global Health Impact Forum, and is a recent recipient of the 2020 WALT (World Association for Laser Therapy) Presidential Commendation for service and Leadership in Photobiomodulation.

Photobiomodulation for the Treatment of Cancer Therapy Side Effects

 A leading area of academic research for Photobiomodulation in dentistry is the treatment of cancer therapy side effects. For oral mucositis, there are 56 controlled clinical trials and 28 systematic reviews published alone for this one application. PBM is a recommended treatment in the UK by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC), the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

There is also emerging evidence showing that this same technique works for improving hyposalivation/xerostomia, dysgeusia, dysphagia, radiation dermatitis, lymphoedema, and graft versus host disease (GVHD). A common and reasonable question frequently asked is what effect it has on cancer cells/tumours. Five long-term studies show that PBM has no adverse effects on recurrence, disease-free, progression-free, or overall survival.

This brief introduction will summarise the evidence of efficacy, safety, and cost benefits of PBM in the treatment and prevention of cancer therapy side effects.

Workshop: Introduction to Photobiomodulation: Applications and Mechanisms

Photobiomodulation (PBM) involves the use of low-intensity light to treat acute traumatic injuries or chronic degenerative non-healing conditions, with the goal of reducing inflammation and pain while enhancing tissue repair. Over 1,000 randomised controlled clinical trials have been published, and PBM is recommended in many clinical care guidelines.

In dentistry, PBM is often used postoperatively as an alternative to analgesics, helping to alleviate pain and trismus in temporomandibular joint disorders and promote neurosensory recovery after iatrogenic injury to the inferior alveolar nerve. Additionally, PBM can ameliorate burning mouth syndrome and other neuropathic conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia, postherpetic neuralgia, and shingles. It is also effective in treating minor lesions like HSV-1 (cold sores), aphthous ulcers, improving osseointegration of implants, and expediting tooth movement in orthodontic patients.

A leading area of academic research for PBM in dentistry is the treatment of cancer therapy side effects, specifically oral mucositis. There are 60 controlled clinical trials alone for this application, and it is a recommended treatment in the UK by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC), and the Children’s Oncology Group (COG).

Beyond the oral cavity, PBM is widely used for musculoskeletal pain (e.g., back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, tendinopathies), non-healing wounds such as venous ulcers, pressure sores, and diabetic foot ulcers. There is also emerging research on PBM’s potential for treating traumatic injuries and degenerative conditions of the brain, eye, and spinal cord.

Systematic reviews published in prominent journals such as The Lancet, JAMA, and the British Medical Journal have concluded that PBM is safe and more effective than the standard of care.

But how can one therapy treat such a diverse range of conditions? The key lies in their shared feature: oxidative stress. PBM is known to improve mitochondrial function, leading to increased ATP production and reduced oxidative stress. The downstream effects of these changes result in decreased inflammation, reduced pain, and enhanced healing.

Now, with the advent of whole-body photobiomodulation, there are opportunities for PBM to be used not only to reduce pain and promote repair, but also to improve strength, endurance, and recovery after exercise. Improved sleep, vitality, reduced pain, and a general sense of well-being are common feedback. Reduced pain, improved function, and enhanced psychological benefits have been confirmed in randomised controlled clinical trials involving fibromyalgia patients.

On-line: Photobiomodulation Therapeutic Targets and Dose Response

Photobiomodulation (PBM) involves the use of low-intensity light to treat acute traumatic injuries or chronic degenerative non-healing conditions, with the goal of reducing inflammation and pain while enhancing tissue repair. Over 1,000 randomised controlled clinical trials have been published, and PBM is recommended in many clinical care guidelines.

Most research studies apply light to the pathology; however, some indirect PBM targets should be considered, including treatment of the lymphatic system, sensory nervous system, and myofascial trigger points. There are systemic effects, changes in blood flow, and even benefits from treating healthy tissue to add to your treatment plan.

There is a dose-response to Photobiomodulation. Not enough light yields no effect, a bit more light results in positive effects on inflammation and healing, too much light and the benefits are lost, and in extreme cases, it’s possible to reduce the rate of healing.

This video introduction is designed to raise awareness of these techniques and encourage thinking beyond just aiming the light at the pathology.