How do oncology PBM studies observe safety?
112 papers: 51 human studies, 18 evidence reviews and 43 animal or cell studies from 2024 onward. Adverse events, tumor measures and survival follow up are distinguished.
All abstracts in the Europe PMC MED and PMC search were checked and DOI and PMID duplicates examined. Human studies have no lower year limit; animal and cell original studies are included from 2024 onward. Direct tumor measures, PBM adverse events or tolerance and oncology follow up are distinguished from systematic evidence reviews including humans. Mucosal symptom reports alone are excluded. Abstract adverse event reporting and long term tumor follow up are different measurements. Separate papers from one trial and primary studies already represented in reviews may overlap.
Checked 2026-10-29 · 815 records searched
Randomized human trials15
A trial at 12 US sites randomized 85 head and neck cancer patients to PBM (42) or sham (43). Daily ten minute sessions before radiotherapy accompanied device adverse event, completion and oral assessments.
Support Care Cancer · 2026 · PMID 42360517
25 head and neck cancer survivors with chronic lymphedema were randomized to PBM (12) or a waiting control (13). Twelve sessions over six weeks were followed by lymphedema, fibrosis and neck and jaw motion assessments. Adverse event or tolerance reports were also collected.
Integr Cancer Ther · 2026 · PMID 42071320
31 head and neck cancer patients with chronic dry mouth after radiotherapy were randomized to PBM or sham. Twenty four sessions at 830 nm were accompanied by salivary flow, protein, IgA and swallowing measures through six months. Adverse event or tolerance reports were also collected.
BMC Oral Health · 2025 · PMID 41013422
60 adults receiving chemotherapy or stem cell transplantation were randomized to three PBM site protocols. Mucosal, swallowing pain and adverse event reports were recorded across oral, oropharyngeal and extraoral application.
Lasers Med Sci · 2023 · PMID 37889325
A phase II trial randomized 44 cancer survivors 2:1 to PBM or sham. Twelve sessions over six weeks accompanied neurological assessments, questionnaires and low grade adverse event recording through week 12.
Support Care Cancer · 2022 · PMID 36526802
87 adults with head and neck cancer were randomized to 660 nm PBM (44) or sham (43). Three sessions per week accompanied mucosal assessments and interviews recording discomfort and participation experiences.
Health Technol Assess · 2022 · PMID 36484364
44 children with leukemia were randomized 1:1 to existing oral care with or without additional PBM. Pain, mucosal grades and adverse events were recorded at baseline and days five, ten and fourteen.
Oral Dis · 2022 · PMID 35460304
An interim analysis examined 55 oral or oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma patients randomized to extraoral PBM or placebo. Oncology outcomes were followed quarterly after radiotherapy, including overall survival at one year.
Support Care Cancer · 2021 · PMID 34708311
A multicenter phase III trial randomized 97 oral or pharyngeal cancer patients to 4 J/cm² PBM or placebo and assessed 83. Mucosal grades and PBM tolerance were recorded.
Radiat Oncol · 2019 · PMID 31118057
A double blinded randomized study assessed 26 oral squamous carcinoma patients, 11 receiving PBM and 15 controls. Mucosal grades, medication use, adverse events and tolerance were recorded.
Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg · 2018 · PMID 30591391
17 patients with breast cancer related lymphedema were randomized to conventional care with six weeks of PBM or conventional care alone. Recruitment, completion, arm circumference and symptoms were recorded through 12 weeks. Adverse event or tolerance reports were also collected.
Lasers Surg Med · 2018 · PMID 29851090
101 pediatric cancer patients at eight Italian hospitals were randomized to PBM (51) or sham (50). Four consecutive daily sessions accompanied mucosal, pain, analgesic and irradiation related adverse event recording on days four, seven and eleven.
Pediatr Blood Cancer · 2018 · PMID 29727048
58 head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy were randomized to 0.25 J or 1 J PBM. Tumor recurrence frequency was compared alongside oral mucosal records.
Int J Dent · 2018 · PMID 29681940
Survival was followed from 2007 to 2015 in 94 participants from a phase III pharyngeal cancer trial. Overall, disease free and progression free survival were analyzed over a median 41.3 months after allocation to 660 nm PBM or placebo.
Oral Oncol · 2017 · PMID 28688677
Fifty oral cancer patients were randomized to 632.8 nm helium neon laser or control, 25 per arm. Mucosal, pain, laser adverse event and tolerance records were collected during six weeks of radiotherapy.
Indian J Med Res · 2006 · PMID 17159259
Nonrandomized controlled human studies3
24 women with breast cancer receiving hormonal medication underwent 440 and 660 nm PBM over four weeks; eight who declined sessions formed an observational comparison. Pain, sexual function questionnaires and adverse events were recorded.
Support Care Cancer · 2026 · PMID 42228167
A blinded study compared PBM and sham on paired oral lesions in 53 head and neck cancer patients. Sessions at 660 nm twice weekly accompanied lesion, pain and adverse event recording.
Radiother Oncol · 2026 · PMID 41864516
Patients with cancer related hand and foot skin symptoms received PBM or sham with blinded assessment after two weeks. Pain, satisfaction and adverse events were recorded. Patient count is not stated in the abstract.
Support Care Cancer · 2019 · PMID 31754836
Human observational studies13
Records of 117 head and neck cancer patients receiving PBM were reviewed retrospectively. Dermatitis, swallowing measures and survival follow up were compared by session exposure; median follow up was 16 months.
J Clin Med · 2026 · PMID 42941485
Records from 751 head and neck cancer patients seen from 2000 to 2016 were analyzed, comparing survival by PBM exposure, session count, stage and accompanying methods.
Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther · 2024 · PMID 38944404
A retrospective series compared PBM starting times in 24 multiple myeloma patients receiving the same transplant regimen. Mucosa, pain, swallowing, chewing, speech and PBM related adverse events were recorded.
Support Care Cancer · 2024 · PMID 38438625
Charts of 14 patients with oral adverse events after immunotherapy were retrospectively reviewed. PBM use in some patients, persistent oral lesions and new oral cancers were documented. The abstract does not state the PBM subgroup size.
Cancers (Basel) · 2023 · PMID 37835475
A retrospective study examined 79 high power PBM sessions in 25 cancer patients with oral mucosal symptoms. Pain scores immediately before and after sessions and subsequent pain and burning reports were collected.
Oral Dis · 2023 · PMID 37203784
Records of 120 breast cancer patients, 60 receiving PBM and 60 sham, were followed retrospectively for a median 66 months, recording disease free, cancer free and overall survival, recurrence and new primary tumors.
Lasers Surg Med · 2022 · PMID 36183377
A retrospective study examined 178 PBM sessions in 25 autologous stem cell transplant patients with blood cancer. Sessions from conditioning through neutrophil recovery accompanied device adverse event, mucosal and satisfaction recording.
Support Care Cancer · 2022 · PMID 35810217
A retrospective study examined 49 pediatric allogeneic stem cell transplant patients receiving PBM and professional oral care. Mucosal grades and risk factors were analyzed alongside overall survival.
Int J Paediatr Dent · 2021 · PMID 34115428
126 head and neck cancer patients receiving PBM covering the tumor region were matched to 126 controls using fuzzy matching. Overall survival was compared with Kaplan Meier analysis.
Lasers Med Sci · 2020 · PMID 32583188
A retrospective cohort compared 222 head and neck cancer patients receiving PBM with 139 without PBM during radiotherapy. Three weekly PBM sessions and overall survival, local recurrence and progression free survival were analyzed.
Support Care Cancer · 2019 · PMID 31502227
A retrospective analysis examined 152 advanced oral squamous carcinoma patients receiving PBM. Overall and disease free survival, local and distant recurrence and new primary cancers were recorded over a mean 40.84 month follow up.
Support Care Cancer · 2018 · PMID 29423682
A retrospective reanalysis examined phase I pulsed infrared laser data in patients with advanced tumors. Tumor heterogeneity on T2 weighted images and microdensitometry were used to examine water structure related signals. Patient count is not stated in the abstract.
Photomed Laser Surg · 2013 · PMID 24047224
A retrospective series examined 92 patients with advanced unresectable pharyngeal cancer receiving concurrent radiation, chemotherapy and supportive care including PBM. Survival, tumor response and toxicity were recorded over a median 17 months. The abstract reports no PBM specific analysis.
Cancer Radiother · 2001 · PMID 11521390
Human studies without a control group19
Nine cancer patients with oral Pseudomonas infection received PBM and antimicrobial photodynamic methods with culture guided antibiotics. Lesions, microbiology, adverse events and infection recurrence were followed.
Einstein (Sao Paulo) · 2026 · PMID 42659437
One man with mandibular osteoradionecrosis after laryngeal cancer received combined PBM and photodynamic sessions 50 times over about a year, with fistula, imaging, pain and adverse event follow up.
Spec Care Dentist · 2026 · PMID 42438445
One woman with cervical cancer received PBM for radiation recall after cisplatin. Skin, mucosa and adverse events were recorded with 660 and 808 nm lasers and 450 and 590 nm LEDs.
Front Oncol · 2026 · PMID 41704470
A home PBM study enrolled 20 head and neck cancer patients and analyzed 17. Twice daily self application for nine to 11 weeks accompanied completion, skin and mucosal grading and device adverse event recording.
Support Care Cancer · 2025 · PMID 41201561
One man with lip squamous carcinoma and jaw necrosis received immune medication, antibiotics and PBM. Monthly follow up after biopsy recorded necrotic lesions and cancer status.
Diagnostics (Basel) · 2025 · PMID 40310399
A retrospective series of three head and neck cancer patients combined PBM with photodynamic methods, recording dermatitis grades, lesions and pain before and after. Adverse event or tolerance reports were also collected.
EXCLI J · 2024 · PMID 39624110
One man with a diabetic wound after parotid carcinoma surgery received 810 nm PBM. Wound status and adverse events were recorded, with wound recurrence followed for five years.
Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg · 2024 · PMID 38574328
Thirty stem cell transplant patients received daily extraoral 1 W PBM from conditioning through day five after transplantation. Mucosal and pain grades and irradiation complaints were recorded.
Support Care Cancer · 2023 · PMID 38097854
A prospective cohort followed 28 postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal symptoms after cancer care. Twenty two received at least six PBM sessions, with PGI I, FSFI and serious adverse event recording.
Bull Cancer · 2023 · PMID 37183056
One patient with advanced non small cell lung cancer received ceritinib, mushroom preparations and PBM together. CT, MRI, carcinoembryonic antigen and blood tests documented follow up.
Life (Basel) · 2022 · PMID 35743893
A multicenter prospective PBM study enrolled 72 head and neck or breast cancer patients, recording device related adverse events, dermatitis and mucosal grades and satisfaction across 1,312 sessions.
Support Care Cancer · 2021 · PMID 34537889
Five cancer patients aged 55 to 76 self applied a home 808 nm PBM device. Mucosal, surgical wound and skin observations, user experiences and adverse events were recorded.
Support Care Cancer · 2021 · PMID 33517481
Twelve patients with lymphedema after head and neck cancer entered a 12 session PBM study over six weeks; 11 completed it. Swelling, symptoms and neck motion were assessed before, after and four weeks later. Adverse event or tolerance reports were also collected.
Integr Cancer Ther · 2021 · PMID 34387119
A prospective cohort of 61 head and neck cancer patients combined an oral care program with daily PBM, recording swallowing, taste, quality of life and survival follow up.
Support Care Cancer · 2020 · PMID 31900618
33 patients receiving neck radiotherapy received PBM three times weekly, with dermatitis grades, session completion and adverse events recorded.
Lasers Med Sci · 2019 · PMID 31811498
Twenty two pediatric hematology oncology patients received 146 intraoral and extraoral PBM sessions at 635 and 815 nm. Mucosal grades, pain, session duration and child tolerance were recorded.
Arch Pediatr · 2019 · PMID 31281038
Twenty five children with different cancers received 904 nm light over the neck and popliteal areas starting one to three days before chemotherapy. Leukocyte phagocytic activity, complications and oral mucosal events were recorded.
Biomedicine (Taipei) · 2019 · PMID 30794148
One patient with polycythemia vera and persistent oral ulcers received topical and systemic steroids together with PBM. Oral status, medication use and adverse events were followed.
Case Rep Dent · 2016 · PMID 27957350
17 women with breast cancer related lymphedema received two laser cycles alongside existing care. Arm circumference, pain, scar mobility, range of motion and adverse events were recorded.
Support Care Cancer · 2010 · PMID 20445997
Qualitative human studies1
Caregivers of 32 children with cancer completed questionnaires after intraoral and extraoral PBM, comparing application discomfort and preference within a randomized study.
Support Care Cancer · 2026 · PMID 42776303
Systematic reviews, meta analyses and scoping reviews18
An umbrella review of 100 systematic PBM reviews included eight reviews of oncology complications and distinguished adverse event reporting and overlapping primary studies.
Lasers Med Sci · 2026 · PMID 42878931
A systematic review of 23 randomized PBM trials in adults aged 60 or older included eight cancer related oral mucositis trials and distinguished protocols and adverse event reporting.
Dent J (Basel) · 2026 · PMID 42041684
A systematic review examined 26 randomized trials of exercise and physical modalities for chemotherapy related peripheral neuropathy. Seven physical modality trials included PBM, with adherence and serious adverse event reporting collected.
Healthcare (Basel) · 2025 · PMID 41302361
An umbrella review of 22 reviews of PBM for cancer related oral mucositis extracted irradiation protocols, clinical measures and serious adverse event reporting.
Dent Med Probl · 2025 · PMID 41410110
A systematic review of 39 papers on PBM and photodynamic methods for drug or radiation related jaw necrosis distinguished cancer and osteoporosis populations and checked adverse event and cancer follow up reporting.
BMJ Support Palliat Care · 2024 · PMID 39433357
A scoping review of 14 original studies examined PBM timing, dermatitis grades and adverse event reporting in cancer patients with radiodermatitis.
Support Care Cancer · 2024 · PMID 39467916
A systematic review of 23 oncology PBM studies distinguished 14 laser and nine LED papers, including tumor experiments and clinical measures such as dry mouth.
Front Oncol · 2024 · PMID 39439950
A review searched PubMed and Scopus and examined 22 head and neck cancer PBM papers. Survival, recurrence, adverse events, feasibility and tolerance reports were extracted.
Support Care Cancer · 2023 · PMID 37115315
A systematic review of oncologic safety in skin PBM distinguished clinical adverse event and new tumor reports from skin, oral and breast tumor models. Included paper count is not stated in the abstract.
Aesthet Surg J · 2023 · PMID 36722207
A meta analysis and trial sequential analysis evaluated six randomized PBM trials involving 398 participants with chemotherapy related oral mucosal changes. Mucosal, pain, duration and adverse event data were extracted and certainty assessed with GRADE.
Int J Environ Res Public Health · 2021 · PMID 34299869
Seven systematic reviews informed a pediatric cancer and stem cell transplant mucosal guideline. PBM evidence included 29 randomized trials and eight pediatric studies, with adverse events and feasibility reviewed.
Eur J Cancer · 2021 · PMID 34252760
A systematic review of oral PBM in cancer evaluated safety data from 75 studies involving 2,712 patients of all ages. Adverse event reporting and risk of bias were assessed separately from pediatric mucosal studies.
Arch Dis Child · 2021 · PMID 34230010
A guideline subanalysis examined 45 pediatric cancer oral mucosal papers, including 21 randomized trials. Adverse events, compliance and study quality were reviewed across modalities including PBM.
Support Care Cancer · 2020 · PMID 33156403
A systematic review of 67 oncology PBM studies distinguished 43 cell, 15 animal and nine clinical studies, examining proliferation, tumor growth, recurrence and survival follow up.
Cancer Med · 2020 · PMID 33107198
A systematic review of 27 oncology PBM papers distinguished adverse event and tumor follow up reports in studies including dermatitis and lymphedema.
Oral Oncol · 2019 · PMID 31109692
A systematic review examined 26 modalities across 35 chemotherapy related peripheral neuropathy studies. Designs, follow up and early termination due to adverse events were checked for modalities including PBM.
Pain Physician · 2018 · PMID 30508986
Four studies selected from 41 records on laser for lymphedema after breast cancer were systematically reviewed, distinguishing axillary irradiation, limb volume and whether tumor follow up was reported.
Lasers Med Sci · 2012 · PMID 23192573
A systematic review and meta analysis evaluated 11 placebo controlled randomized PBM trials involving 415 cancer patients. Mucosal, pain and duration outcomes were examined alongside adverse event records from all studies.
Support Care Cancer · 2011 · PMID 21660670
Animal and cell studies from 202443
HT29 colon cancer cells in alginate and gelatin microspheres received laser at 2 or 80 J/cm². LDH, nitric oxide, cell density and Wnt related genes were measured after 48 hours. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
Lasers Med Sci · 2026 · PMID 42706457
A 4T1 breast cancer mouse model compared radioactive gold nanoparticles with added red PBM. Tumors, lung metastases, spleen and Gal 3 expression were measured over 23 days. Animal count is not stated in the abstract.
ACS Omega · 2026 · PMID 42598443
Gingival and dermal fibroblasts and MCF 7 breast cancer cells received 808 nm PBM at 2 or 3 J/cm² at different times, with MTT and protein expression assessments. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
Lasers Med Sci · 2026 · PMID 42126716
MDA MB 231 breast cancer cells and Hs 27 fibroblasts received 808 nm light at different powers, durations and single or repeated exposures. MTT assessed viability. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
J Lasers Med Sci · 2026 · PMID 42676712
LLC, MC38 and B16 animal tumor models received pulsed 980 nm PBM. Tumor growth, rechallenge, immune cells, single cell RNA and systemic toxicity were analyzed. Sample size is not stated in the abstract.
iScience · 2026 · PMID 42109854
SCC9 and HSC3 oral cancer cells received blue light at 105, 168 or 210 J/cm². Viability, apoptosis, migration, colonies and stem cell markers were assessed after 24 hours. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
Arch Oral Biol · 2026 · PMID 41887045
Oral squamous carcinoma cultures received 635 or 830 nm PBM before comparison with ALA photodynamic conditions. Mitochondrial activity, PpIX accumulation and cytotoxicity were measured. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther · 2026 · PMID 41831631
Cancer associated fibroblasts received 660 or 980 nm PBM, pirfenidone or both. Cancer cells in conditioned media were assessed for viability, migration, colonies and gene expression. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
Lasers Med Sci · 2026 · PMID 41718779
HOS and MG63 osteosarcoma cells received blue LED PBM. Proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis and ferroptosis proteins and oxidative markers were measured. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
J Photochem Photobiol B · 2025 · PMID 41455154
Mouse C2C12 myoblasts and human A549 lung cancer cells received 660 nm LEDs or 830 nm laser from 0 to 20 J/cm². Viability, reactive oxygen species and ATP were measured. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
J Biophotonics · 2025 · PMID 41392574
Show all · 43 papersShow less
Cancer cells received near infrared PBM before comparison with chlorin e6 photodynamic conditions. Cell death, migration, reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide and mitochondrial potential were measured. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
J Photochem Photobiol B · 2025 · PMID 41389731
MCF 7 and MDA MB 231 breast cancer cells received 589 nm light at 5, 10 or 20 J/cm². Metabolic activity, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species were measured at 24 and 48 hours. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
Lasers Med Sci · 2025 · PMID 41379256
An oral carcinogenesis model in 50 mice compared untreated, carcinogen, radiation and PBM combination conditions. Tumor histology, VEGF and Bax were measured after 660 nm irradiation.
Lasers Med Sci · 2025 · PMID 41329300
SCC09 and CAL27 squamous carcinoma cells received five PBM applications at 658 or 830 nm. MTT and sulforhodamine B assays assessed viability and proliferation at 1, 3 or 6 J/cm². Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
Lasers Med Sci · 2025 · PMID 41144056
An EL4 lymphoma model combined low intensity light with STING nanoparticles, assessing tumor immune cells, mitochondrial metabolism, single cell RNA and metastasis after rechallenge. Sample size is not stated in the abstract.
Adv Sci (Weinh) · 2025 · PMID 41126739
One dog with osteosarcoma received amputation and chemotherapy alongside medications and laser for phlebitis. Vascular ultrasound and clinical status including tumor recurrence were followed for over 13 months.
Front Vet Sci · 2025 · PMID 41122705
HeLa Kyoto cells received 0.3 J/cm² PBM before or after 2, 4 or 6 Gy radiation. Cell cycle, mitochondrial potential and cell death were compared. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
Int J Mol Sci · 2025 · PMID 41009759
Adenoid cystic carcinoma cells received infrared PBM at different exposures with cisplatin comparisons. Chromatin, DNA damage, reactive oxygen species, viability and migration were measured. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
J Photochem Photobiol B · 2025 · PMID 40602342
Cal 27 and SCC 25 oral cancer cells received 457 nm LEDs. Viability, reactive oxygen species, mitochondria, apoptosis and proteins were measured by irradiance and exposure. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
Photochem Photobiol Sci · 2025 · PMID 40533694
MCF 7 breast cancer cells received single or sequential 470 and 658 nm PBM, with viability, proliferation, extracellular DNA, nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species assessments. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
Lasers Med Sci · 2025 · PMID 40014152
MCF 7 and MDA MB 231 breast cancer cells received PBM combined with celecoxib. MTT, migration and RT PCR measurements of E and N cadherin and αSMA were performed. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg · 2025 · PMID 39992209
Doxorubicin resistant MDA MB 231 breast cancer cells received 630 or 980 nm PBM with the drug. Cell viability by drug concentration and resistance related gene expression were measured. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
Lasers Med Sci · 2025 · PMID 39903281
Six and 24 month old rats with fluorescent glioblastoma models received PBM. MRI, fluorescence imaging, brain drainage and pressure, immune cells and survival were measured. Animal count is not stated in the abstract.
Discov Med · 2025 · PMID 39973556
Breast cancer cell models received 880 nm laser, 617 nm LED or both, with mitochondrial DNA ratios and PINK1 and PGC 1α expression measured. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
Lasers Med Sci · 2025 · PMID 39849271
A tongue carcinogenesis model in 96 mice received red or infrared PBM starting at different times. Histology, proliferation markers, inflammation and oxidative markers were measured at 20 weeks.
J Biophotonics · 2025 · PMID 39844584
TPC 1 thyroid cancer cells and mouse tumors received 465 nm light. Cell proliferation and cell cycle were assessed alongside tumor and adverse event observations with a wearable device. Sample size is not stated in the abstract.
Bioeng Transl Med · 2024 · PMID 40060758
Prostate cancer cells received 655 nm PBM at 1, 3 or 5 J/cm² before ICG photodynamic conditions. Viability, ICG uptake, ATP, nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial potential were measured. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
Med Oncol · 2024 · PMID 39560842
66 Wistar rats in a 4NQO carcinogenesis model received 0.3 or 1 J PBM three times weekly. Lesion histology, ROS1 and p53 were assessed in 33 animals each at 12 and 20 weeks.
Sci Rep · 2024 · PMID 39550370
Papillary thyroid cancer cells received blue PBM. Proliferation, cell cycle, proteins and retinal and opsin 3 processes were measured. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
Cell Commun Signal · 2024 · PMID 39487504
MCF 7 and MDA MB 231 breast cancer cells received 658 nm laser and 470 nm LEDs alone or together. Quantitative PCR measured TRF1 and TRF2 mRNA and telomere length. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
Lasers Med Sci · 2024 · PMID 39370492
MCF 7 breast cancer cells received 473, 660 or 780 nm laser at different powers and durations. WST 1 assessed viability and cytotoxicity after 24 hours. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
Lasers Med Sci · 2024 · PMID 39307856
SCC25 oral cancer cells received 457 and 475 nm LEDs, with viability, oxidative, cell cycle, transcriptomic, endoplasmic reticulum stress and AhR measurements. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
J Biophotonics · 2024 · PMID 39209312
HOS and MG63 osteosarcoma cells received 420, 460 and 480 nm light under different irradiation conditions. Viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial potential, transcriptomics and ferroptosis markers were measured. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
J Photochem Photobiol B · 2024 · PMID 39121719
B16F10 melanoma cells and animal tumors received 405, 532, 635 or 808 nm light. Cell proliferation and migration, tumor volume, vessels and signaling proteins were compared. Sample size is not stated in the abstract.
J Photochem Photobiol B · 2024 · PMID 39032372
Cal 27 oral cancer cells received 660 nm laser at 20, 40 or 80 mW. MTT viability and Bax and Bcl 2 mRNA were measured. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
Photochem Photobiol · 2024 · PMID 39032055
Nonsuperficial cancer cells received 650, 810 or 915 nm PBM, with cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species and migration measurements. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
Lasers Med Sci · 2024 · PMID 39001934
3T3 L1 adipocytes received 650 or 980 nm PBM and their conditioned medium was used for breast cancer cultures. Cell viability and apoptosis related genes were measured. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
J Lasers Med Sci · 2024 · PMID 39188928
HT29 colon cancer cells and xenografts in nude mice received 670 nm LEDs. Proliferation, migration, mitochondrial markers and tumor size and weight were measured. Sample size is not stated in the abstract.
J Photochem Photobiol B · 2024 · PMID 38970968
MeWo melanoma cells received 460 nm LEDs at different power and exposure settings. Viability, cytotoxicity, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, DNA damage and apoptosis were measured. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
J Biophotonics · 2024 · PMID 38937982
MCF7 and A549 cancer cells and MCF10A and IMR 90 noncancer cells received 734 nm light at 63 mJ/cm² for six days. Senescence associated beta galactosidase, reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial potential were measured. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
J Biophotonics · 2024 · PMID 39155124
Oral squamous carcinoma cells received 420 nm LEDs, with viability, migration, cell cycle, endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial DNA and apoptosis marker assessments. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
J Photochem Photobiol B · 2024 · PMID 38908147
MCF 7 and MDA MB 231 breast cancer cells received 658 nm laser and 470 nm LEDs alone or together. Quantitative RT PCR measured DNA repair related APTX, PolB and PCNA mRNA. Replicate count is not stated in the abstract.
Lasers Med Sci · 2024 · PMID 38329547
Male Wistar rats with glioma received PBM during sleep or wakefulness. Tumor size, survival, brain drainage, CD8 cells, apoptosis and proliferation were measured. Animal count is not stated in the abstract.
Biomedicines · 2024 · PMID 38397864
Excluded 703 of 815 records: 101 narrative reviews or unclear systematic methods, 12 protocols without completed results, 9 absent abstracts, corrections or comments, 265 no direct tumor, PBM adverse event or survival follow up data, 11 bibliometric, service or legal records, 11 no direct PBM intervention, 136 nononcology populations, 1 paper held due to a linked editorial expression of concern, 1 oncology population and PBM measures not confirmed in the abstract, 117 animal or cell studies before 2024, 1 duplicate PMC and MED records with matching title, authors and year, 3 photosensitizer based photodynamic methods without PBM, 1 computational work without human, animal or cell experiments, 20 no abstract, 4 PBMT used as an unrelated abbreviation, 1 photothermal cancer experiments with PBM limited to nerve cells, 1 correction rather than an independent study, 8 reviews limited to animal or cell evidence.
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TITLE_ABS:(photobiomodulation OR PBMT OR "low level laser" OR "low level light" OR "red light therapy") AND TITLE_ABS:(cancer OR tumor OR tumour OR neoplasm* OR oncolog* OR carcinoma) AND (SRC:MED OR SRC:PMC) AND FIRST_PDATE:[* TO 2026-10-29]
Search Europe PMCFrequently asked questions
Are adverse event records the same as tumor follow up?
No. Each description distinguishes discomfort or device related adverse event recording from longer follow up of recurrence, new primary cancers and survival.
What do animal and cell papers measure?
Cell studies measure viability, proliferation, migration, DNA and mitochondrial markers. Animal studies record tumor volume, histology, immune cells and survival. Wavelengths and exposures differ across studies.
Does the paper count equal the number of independent trials?
No. An original trial and later survival follow up can appear as separate papers. Uncontrolled records and cases combining several modalities are identified by design.