Using light therapy to prevent mouth sores in patients getting stem cell transplants

A Single Center Pilot Study of Intraoral Photobiomodulation Therapy for the Prevention of Oral Mucositis in Patients Undergoing Myeloablative Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Not applicable Interventional Dana-Farber Cancer Institute · NCT05335434

This study is testing if a special light therapy can help prevent mouth sores in patients getting stem cell transplants.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorDana-Farber Cancer Institute Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation, chemotherapy
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT05335434 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study evaluates the effectiveness of intraoral photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in preventing oral mucositis in patients undergoing myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). Participants will receive daily PBMT using a novel LED device, the THOR LX2.3 with LED Lollipop, starting from the conditioning chemotherapy phase until day +20 or discharge. The study aims to assess the impact of this light-based therapy on reducing inflammation and enhancing wound healing in the oral cavity. Approximately 20 patients will be enrolled in this single-center study at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are planned to undergo myeloablative allogeneic HCT with specific conditioning and prophylaxis regimens.

Not a fit: Patients who have received intraoral PBMT recently, have a history of radiation therapy to the head and neck, or have known photosensitivity conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly reduce the incidence and severity of oral mucositis, improving the quality of life for patients undergoing stem cell transplants.

How similar studies have performed: While this specific application of PBMT is novel, similar approaches have shown promise in reducing oral mucositis in other patient populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Planned to undergo myeloablative allogeneic HCT using FluBu4 conditioning and Tac-Mtx GVHD prophylaxis.
* Age ≥18 years.
* Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants who have had treatment with intraoral PBMT within four weeks of admission for HSCT.
* Participants who have a history of radiation therapy to the head and neck.
* Participants who have a history of photosensitivity or underlying disease with known photosensitivity.
* Participants who are planned to receive palifermin for OM prevention.

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Myeloablative Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell TransplantationIntraoral Photobiomodulation TherapyOral MucositisMucosal Ulcer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.