Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy using optical fiber for oral fistula resulting from mandibular osteoradionecrosis

Abstract

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is considered one of the most severe complications of radiotherapy (RT). Treatment modalities for ORN may vary considerably, including conservative or surgical procedures. Recently, alternative managements such as the combination of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) have also yielded promising results in patients presenting ORN or delayed healing post-RT. Herein, it is reported a case of ORN manifested as an oral fistula on the mandibular alveolar mucosa in which a combination of PBMT and aPDT was used every 15 days for six weeks. A laser device with an optical fiber was introduced into the fistula for light delivery. Seven days after the first laser session, it was noted complete resolution of both edema and erythema; after six weeks, the ORN fistula was no longer present. According to the current case, the combination of PBMT and aPDT with an optical fiber to deliver the laser light seems to be a suitable alternative for restricted areas such as fistula paths.

Keywords: Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy; Optical fiber; Osteoradionecrosis; Photobiomodulation therapy.