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Photobiomodulation Protocols in the Analgesia of Chemotherapy-induced Oral Mucositis in Children

France406 participantsStarted 2021-05-03

Plain-language summary

Chemotherapy-induced oropharyngeal mucositis (OM) negatively impacts the quality of life of adult and pediatric patients by causing pain, dysphagia, dysgeusia and dysphonia. Photobiomodulation (PBM) by low level laser therapy (LLLT), light therapy of low level of red and infrared wavelengths (630-1000 nm) has been recommended since 2014 in patients treated with high-dose chemotherapy for bone marrow transplantation. Available pediatric studies highlighted positive/promising results of PBM with excellent safety and no adverse effects. Nevertheless, a wide variety of application parameters is described in the literature, with no consensus guidelines. Considering the lack of standardized protocol of photobiomodulation in the pediatric population as well as the burden and cost of a daily application, investigators have decided to conduct, for the first time in children of 3 years of age or older, a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority clinical trial to compare two PBM protocols with same PBM parameters, combining red and infrared wavelengths, but with different frequencies of laser application (daily versus every other day), in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced OM of WHO grade 2 or higher.

Who can participate

Age range

3 Years – 17 Years

Sex

ALL

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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. Male or female children aged ≥ 3 years and \< 18 years.
. Hospitalization in an oncology or hematology department in the participating centres.
. Patients with oropharyngeal mucositis of grade 2 or higher (WHO grading system) related to cancer chemotherapy, including conditioning for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT).
. Written informed consent of both patient's holders of parental authority, and patient's assent when applicable.
. Patients affiliated to a French Social Security insurance or equivalent social protection.
. Absence of any physical or psychological disability that may interfere with the LLLT application.

Exclusion criteria

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Session evaluation

Timeframe: Throught treatment period up to 1 month

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04596410

SponsorUniversity Hospital, Toulouse

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2024-01

Contact for this trial

Marlène PASQUET, MD

05 34 55 86 43 pasquet.m@chu-toulouse.fr

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Mucositis Oral trials