Prof. Dr. Marina Consuelo Vitale is graduated in Medicine and Surgery (1986) and specialized in Stomatology and Orthognathic Therapy in University of Pavia (Italy). She specialized in “Laser assisted oral surgery” at University of Paris V (France), where she carried on research in laser applications, working with professors Jacques and Françoise Melcer. Lecturer in the proficiency course “Laser in Dentistry” at University of Florence and Professor in the International Master of “ Laser in Dentistry” at University of Genova, in “Master de Odontologie Laser” at University Sophie Antipolis in Nice (France) and in EMDOLA Master at University of Parma, she is currently Professor of Paediatric Dentistry, Community Health Dentistry and Medical Techniques applied in Paediatric patient in School of Dentistry, School of Hygiene and School of Specialization in Orthodontic at University of Pavia.

She has published many papers in Italian and International scientific journals and she has taken many lectures in National and International Congresses all over the world. Since 1990 she is active member in World Federation for Laser Dentistry (WFLD), in Italian Society of laser in Dentistry (SILO) , in Italian Society of Paediatric Dentistry (SIOI) and in  European Association of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD)

• She is member of the Executive Board in WFLD – European Division
• She is member of the Executive Board in SILO.
• She is member of the Education Committee of European Association of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD)

Title: Photobiomodulation and Oral Mucositis: new protocols

Oral Mucositis (OM) is a debilitating complication of chemotherapeutic drug infusion (CT) and Radiotherapy (RT). A few days after such treatment has commenced, the patient complains of soreness, and the oral tissues appear red and smooth. Rapidly, the integrity of the mucosa breaks down and ulceration occurs to affect the buccal mucosa, ventral lingual mucosa, soft palate and the inner aspects of the lips and the floor of the mouth. Intense pain is associated with Oral Mucositis and oral functions are impaired, especially speech and feeding.

In recent years, the influence of nutrition on the health and growth of children has become increasingly important and the relevance of nutrition is even greater for children who are facing cancer. There is a large body of evidence supporting the efficacy of Photo-Bio-Modulation (PBM) when used for the prevention and/or treatment of oral mucositis in patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, or high-dose chemotherapy regimens. The PBM parameters are usually within the red and NIR wavelength range of 600-1000 nanometers (nm) and the therapeutic effect is typically dictated by the energy density measured in joules (J) per cm².

In this presentation, new protocols of PBM therapy are suggested in order to optimize the clinical effects achievable and to give a full and proper understanding of the ability in reducing side-effects of CT and/or RT.