Using Red Light Therapy to Ease Skin Side Effects and Mouth Side Effects, in Children and Young People Aged 0 to 16 Years Old, Receiving Radiotherapy
This study is investigating whether a special kind of red light therapy, called photobiomodulation, can help children and young people (aged 0-16) who are having radiotherapy. Radiotherapy can sometimes cause side effects like sore skin and a sore mouth, and the researchers want to see if daily use of this red light therapy can make these symptoms better. The study will include children having most types of radiotherapy, except those only having treatment to their brain. Participants will receive red light therapy every day alongside their regular radiotherapy session. The main goals are to find out if this therapy helps with skin side effects and mouth side effects.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When children and young people need radiotherapy, which is a type of treatment using radiation, it can sometimes lead to uncomfortable side effects. These can include skin becoming sore, red, or irritated (like a bad sunburn), and the mouth and throat becoming sore or inflamed, making it difficult to eat or drink. These side effects can be really tough for young patients.
This study is looking at a gentle approach called red light therapy, or photobiomodulation. It uses specific wavelengths of red or near-infrared light on the skin or inside the mouth. The idea is that this light might help the body's cells to heal and reduce inflammation, which could make the sore skin and mouths less severe and more manageable for children during their radiotherapy.
The main aim of this study is to see if giving this red light therapy every day, at the same time as their radiotherapy, can make a real difference. Researchers want to compare children who receive the red light therapy with similar children who didn't, to understand if it truly helps reduce these common and unpleasant side effects.
Key takeaways
- Looks at red light therapy for sore skin/mouth during radiotherapy.
- For children and young people aged 0-16.
- Aims to reduce common radiotherapy side effects.
- Red light therapy is given daily alongside regular radiotherapy.
- Won't affect existing medical treatment plans if you participate or not.
Who may be eligible?
This study is designed for children and young people aged between 0 and 16 years old. To take part, they need to be receiving radiotherapy for their condition. This includes radiotherapy to parts of the body like the spine, head and neck area (but not just the brain on its own), or other areas of the body.
However, some children won't be able to join. This includes those who are only having radiotherapy solely to their brain. Also, if a child is having just one single session of radiotherapy, or if they are having 'Total Body Irradiation' (TBI), which is a specific type of full body radiation, they won't be eligible for this particular study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Is your child aged between 0 and 16 years old?
- Is your child currently receiving radiotherapy treatment?
- Is your child's radiotherapy treatment *not just* to the brain?
- Is your child having more than one single session of radiotherapy, and not 'Total Body Irradiation'?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, your child will have red light therapy every day from Monday to Friday, alongside their scheduled radiotherapy treatment. This means that each day they go for their radiotherapy, there will be an additional step where the red light therapy is applied. The researchers will then carefully monitor and record how their skin and mouth are doing throughout the treatment period. There aren't any extra clinic visits beyond what's already planned for their radiotherapy; the red light therapy and monitoring will fit into their existing treatment schedule.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- The Christie NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeManchester, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy uses special red or near-infrared light to help cells heal and reduce soreness, a bit like how sunlight can make you feel better, but much more focused.
Will this replace my child's normal radiotherapy?
No, absolutely not. The red light therapy is given *in addition* to your child's regular radiotherapy, not instead of it. Their main treatment will continue as planned.
Are there any side effects from the red light therapy?
Red light therapy is generally very safe and usually doesn't have noticeable side effects. Any potential, very rare risks would be discussed in detail before you decide to take part.
How long will my child get this red light therapy for?
They will receive the red light therapy each day they have their radiotherapy treatment until their course of radiotherapy is finished.
What if we decide not to take part?
That's perfectly fine. Deciding not to join the study will not affect your child's medical care or their treatment in any way whatsoever.
How to find out more
Natalie Higgins
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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