Effect of Light Emitted by Diode as Treatment of Radiodermatitis

Abstract

Radiotherapy can cause radiodermatitis in 85–90% in oncologic patients. There are several therapeutic alternatives to treat radiodermatitis with variable results. A new option is the use of light emitted-diode (LED) to treat this condition. We analyzed twenty male Wistar rats weighing 200–250 g. All the animals underwent a radiotherapy session. After 15 days, the animals were divided into four groups: control (no treatment) and LED 630 nm, 850 nm, 630 + 850 nm. The LED treatment was applied every two days until the 21 days). We analyzed the macroscopic aspect of radiodermatitis before and after treatment. After this phase, samples were collected for histological (HE). Macro and microscopic analysis indicated positive effects with exposure to light, especially with the association between wavelengths 630 and 850 nm, resulting in a reduction in the severity of radiodermatitis to grade 2–2.5. In the histological analysis, photobiomodulation increased the division and migration of cells in the basal layer of the epidermis, demonstrating the regenerative potential of this treatment in the effects of radiotherapy, increasing the speed of epithelialization of the lesion. This study suggested that the association of 630 + 850 nm improved radiodermatitis regeneration.