CATEGORY 70 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST CLINICAL inflamed cells through the use of PBM. These upregulated neurons will then stimulate nearby neurons by biophotons travelling through axons in direct contact or by transmission through the extracellular matrix74,75 u PBM can reduce proinflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and a range of other interleukins while increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-4 and IL-10. These seem to reduce oedema, neutrophil influx and other inflammatory markers throughout the body76,77 u Laser therapy has been shown to increase the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.78,79 These stem cells have been helpful in tissue regeneration at sites distant to the light exposure such as heart80,81, kidney and bone marrow82 u 60s of exposure time to Nd:YAG 1064 nm at PBM levels has shown to have a bactericidal effect on biofilms of Streptococcus mutans83 and Actinomyces israelii84, as well as reduce fungal growth after 24 hours83 Hospitals and insurance companies are supporting photobiomodulation – TRUE u PBM devices have been cleared for marketing by the Therapeutic Goods Association as adjunctive devices for the healing, inflammation and the temporary relief of pain85. u Sydney Adventist Hospital, St George Hospital Dermatology Department, Mater Hospital Brisbane, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne all use PBM on their patients. Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne has trialled the use of PBM for the management of the side effects of cancer treatment. Chris O’Brien Lifehouse has PBM units in their lymphoedema department. Sydney Children’s Hospital and other hospitals are considering PBM equipment u The Australian Medical Photobiomodulation Association (ampa.net.au) aims to promote the advancement of science, research and practice of photobiomodulation in mainstream medicine and allied health. The current president of AMPA is Dr Joseph Ryan, an Oral Medicine specialist and senior lecturer in Oral Pathology at Charles Sturt University u The 30th WALT Congress was recently held in August 2024 in London. Topics for the event included neurorehabilitation; reproductive health; dentistry and oral care; bone and musculoskeletal; metabolic and autoimmune disorders; stem cells and regenerative medicine; wound care; pain management and addiction; dermatology; aesthetic medicine; sports and rehabilitation; and ophthalmology (waltpbm.org) u US Congress passed the Opioid Crisis Response Act in 2018, and since then, there have been several studies on the use of PBM for opioid use disorder86–88. They now support PBM as a method for alleviating pain, reducing the need for opioids and stimulating healing u Australia has a dental reimbursement code (945) for photobiomodulation. The American Dental Association is currently ratifying its Technical Report No. 189 on PBM while the FDA is updating its PBM product codes to extend its use Red light therapy as it is more commonly known to the public has been promoted by celebrities and influencers. LED facemasks and light panels are used to reduce premature aging89, stretch marks90, hyperpigmentation4 and acne4,91. However, the quality of the masks varies, with some providing minimal benefits. There is an increasing volume of published research, clearer definitions of therapy efficacy, and a growing range of conditions shown to benefit from PBM. With its safety well-established, along with increased support from government bodies and insurance companies, there is hope that PBM will gain recognition within mainstream medicine and be accepted as a non-invasive, non-surgical, and effective treatment for a variety of conditions. u For a complete list of references email gapmagazines@gmail.com Fig. 7 Gaussian vs Flat-top beam profiles Fig. 8 MarcCo handpieces – Flat-top, collimated beam profile to fit Fotona LightWalker
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTc3NDk3Mw==