Assessment of the Efficacy of Laser Therapy in the Management of Oral Mucositis in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Oral mucositis is a common and debilitating side effect experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, which significantly impacts their quality of life and treatment outcomes. Laser therapy has emerged as a potential treatment modality for managing oral mucositis due to its anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. This thesis aimed to assess the efficacy of laser therapy in the management of oral mucositis in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The study design was a randomized controlled trial involving cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at a tertiary care hospital. Patients with varying degrees of oral mucositis were randomly assigned to either the laser therapy group or the control group. The laser therapy group received laser treatment sessions targeting the affected oral mucosa, while the control group received standard care for oral mucositis. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to explore the existing evidence on the use of laser therapy for oral mucositis in cancer patients. The review highlighted the potential benefits of laser therapy in reducing pain, inflammation, and healing time associated with oral mucositis. The research methodology involved assessing the severity of oral mucositis using standardized scoring systems before and after the intervention. In addition, patient-reported outcomes, including pain scores and quality of life assessments, were collected to evaluate the impact of laser therapy on symptom management and overall well-being. The findings of the study revealed a significant improvement in oral mucositis severity, pain levels, and quality of life in the laser therapy group compared to the control group. Patients receiving laser therapy experienced faster resolution of mucositis symptoms and reported greater satisfaction with their treatment outcomes. In conclusion, this study provides evidence supporting the efficacy of laser therapy in the management of oral mucositis in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Laser therapy offers a safe and effective adjunctive treatment option for alleviating mucositis-related symptoms and improving patient comfort during cancer treatment. Further research is warranted to optimize laser therapy protocols and expand its utilization in clinical practice for the benefit of cancer patients.