Supportive Care In Cancer Research Articles

Te Mauri—whānau mana motuhake: supportive care for whānau Māori living with cancer

This article describes the origins and development of Te Mauri (the life essence), a unique Māori (Indigenous people of New Zealand) public health and well-being programme aimed at addressing critical gaps in knowledge about supportive cancer care for whānau (families) living with cancer in Aotearoa (New Zealand). Te Mauri is a kaupapa Māori (Māori philosophy) public health initiative having a whānau ora (family well-being) approach, so is based not on the individual, or patient, but within whānau and the core role of communities in relation to the provision of cancer care, the promotion of recovery from cancer, and the maintenance of well-being for current and future generations. Te Mauri makes an important contribution to expanding mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) and the range of Indigenous models of care so that cancer service provision is improved for the benefit of all those who are on a cancer journey.

Use of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Risk Prediction Model Development to Support Cancer Care Delivery: A Scoping Review.

The integration of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) into electronic health records (EHRs) has enabled systematic collection of symptom data to manage post-treatment symptoms. The use and integration of PRO data into routine care are associated with overall treatment success, adherence, and satisfaction. Clinical trials have demonstrated the prognostic value of PROs including physical function and global health status in predicting survival. It is unknown to what extent routinely collected PRO data are used in the development of risk prediction models (RPMs) in oncology care. The objective of the scoping review is to assess how PROs are used to train risk RPMs to predict patient outcomes in oncology care. Using the scoping review methodology outlined in the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis, we searched four databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, and Web of Science) to locate peer-reviewed oncology articles that used PROs as predictors to train models. Study characteristics including settings, clinical outcomes, and model training, testing, validation, and performance data were extracted for analyses. Of the 1,254 studies identified, 18 met inclusion criteria. Most studies performed retrospective analyses of prospectively collected PRO data to build prediction models. Post-treatment survival was the most common outcome predicted. Discriminative performance of models trained using PROs was better than models trained without PROs. Most studies did not report model calibration. Systematic collection of PROs in routine practice provides an opportunity to use patient-reported data to develop RPMs. Model performance improves when PROs are used in combination with other comprehensive data sources.

Relationship Between Anxiety and Events Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea Vomiting (CINV) Breast Cancer Patients with Chemotherapy in Jember, East Java, Indonesia

In Indonesia and worldwide, breast cancer accounts for the greatest number of cancer patients. Chemotherapy is the treatment used to treat breast cancer patients; however, it might cause One of the psychological adverse effects that chemotherapy usually causes for individuals with breast cancer is anxiety. Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea Vomiting (CINV) is the most common physical adverse effect experienced by breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. This cross-sectional study employs certain research approaches. Patients receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer at the RSD Dr. Soebandi Jember and Baladhika Husada Jember Hospital made up the study's population. This research was conducted for one month, and the number of samples used in this research was 120. Anxiety measurement uses a questionnaire Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) to measure levels of anxiety, and the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) Antiemesis Tool (MAT) to measure Chemotherapy Induces Nausea and Vomiting (CINV). Data analysis with a paired sample t test using the IBM SPSS v.25 for Windows programme. The results of the Pearson correlation test between anxiety and CINV in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy showed a significance value of 0.00 or <0.05, which means there is a correlation between anxiety and CINV experienced by respondents. The higher the level of anxiety, the more CINV complaints the patient will experience. Vice versa, the lower the level of anxiety, the CINV experienced by the patient will be minimal. Keyword: anxiety, CINV, Breast Cancer, Chemotherapy

The Supportive Care Needs of Individuals Living With Advanced or Metastatic Lung Cancer Receiving Targeted or Immunotherapies.

Lung cancer is associated with the highest incidence and mortality of all cancers. New treatments, called targeted therapies (TT) and immunotherapies (IO), offer higher treatment efficacy and fewer side effects compared to traditional treatments but are accompanied by uncertainty and an unpredictable treatment course. There is a paucity of research on the experiences of individuals living with advanced or metastatic lung cancer receiving TT/IO, and even less is known about the supportive care needs of this population. Twenty four participants from across Canada participated in semi-structured interviews regarding their supportive care needs. Thematic analysis was utilized to identify their supportive care needs. Qualitative coding identified unmet needs and challenges. All participants indicated difficulties with unmet supportive care needs, including psychological, informational, and practical needs. The exploration of supportive care experiences of patients receiving TT/IO exposes high distress and unmet needs. Results indicate the need for timely and accessible supportive cancer care. Results can inform patient advocacy efforts and the development of new services.

Nurse-Led Care Versus Consultant-Led Usual Care in Patients with Thyroid Cancer: A Longitudinal Interventional Study

Background: The prognosis of thyroid cancer treatment is unsatisfactory in the presence of different independent parameters, such as older age, which may worsen the quality of life and mental health of patients. It is necessary to improve the quality of life and mental health of patients with thyroid cancer. Objectives: This study evaluated the nurse-led care impact as psycho-oncological support on anxiety and quality of life of patients with a history of thyroid cancer, comparing it to a consultant-led usual care and a non-care. Methods: Patients received half an hour of nurse-led care (NC cohort, n = 105), or consultant-led usual care (UC cohort, n = 125), or did not receive healthcare professional-led care (PO cohort, n = 135) at the institute during treatment and a follow-up period of 12 months. The EORTC QLQ-C30 Chinese version was used to assess the quality of life. Anxiety and depression were evaluated, using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results: Before the healthcare professional-led care, the quality of life scale score was 35 (36 - 33) and all patients had definitive anxiety and depression (scale score ≥ 11). After 12 months of the healthcare professional-led care, patients in the NC cohort showed improved quality of life and decreased anxiety and depression as compared to them before the healthcare professional-led care conditions and those of patients in the UC and PO cohorts after 12 months of the healthcare professional-led care (P < 0.001 for all). A higher number of patients survived in the NC cohort than in the UC (P = 0.0327) and PO (P = 0.0014) cohorts. Personal satisfaction of patients was higher in the NC cohort than in the UC and PO cohorts (P < 0.001 for both). Patient satisfaction was higher in the UC cohort than in the PO cohort (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Supportive cancer care after surgery or during follow-up is necessary in patients with thyroid cancer. Nurse-led care had beneficial effects on the quality of life, psychological conditions, survival, and personal satisfaction of patients with thyroid cancer during the follow-up period.

EL6 Supportive care in cancer and adverse event management

EL6 Supportive care in cancer and adverse event management

EP.16F.02 Availability of Supportive Care in Lung Cancer: A Global Perspective

EP.16F.02 Availability of Supportive Care in Lung Cancer: A Global Perspective

OA07.05 Improving Supportive and Social Care in Lung Cancer with the 4R Oncology Model for Patient Care Planning and Delivery

OA07.05 Improving Supportive and Social Care in Lung Cancer with the 4R Oncology Model for Patient Care Planning and Delivery

Involving children and young people in supportive cancer care research: the value of FDS grant funding and charitable partnerships

INTRODUCTION Involvement of children and young people in research has a multitude of benefits for children, researchers and the quality of the research itself. Despite the benefits of involvement, this is not always completed or reported in practice. METHODS This paper looks at the involvement of children and young people during a research study exploring the acceptability of photobiomodulation for mucositis management. It considers the importance of costing involvement into grant funding, and the value of charitable partnerships in conducting research with patient and public involvement. RESULTS Children and young people with experience of cancer, and their parents, were involved at the stages of grant application, research design, data analysis and dissemination. Involvement of families resulted in changes to inclusion criteria, plain language summaries and participant information documents. They provided insight into data analysis, and designed and filmed co-created video outputs to support acceptability of the treatment, dissemination of the research and research involvement of other children. Involvement was supported both practically and financially by charitable partnership with the Candlelighters children’s cancer charity as well as research grant funding from the Royal College of Surgeons of England’s Faculty of Dental Surgery. CONCLUSIONS Child and parent contributors shaped the research project, resulting in changes to the study design, data analysis and co-creation of video resources. Charitable partnership and flexibility of involvement supported diversity in the context of paediatric cancer research. Researchers should consider what they can contribute in return to child contributors and charities who provide support.

Enhancing Cancer Supportive Care: Integrating Psychosocial Support, Nutrition, and Physical Activity Using Telehealth Solutions.

This review explores current guidelines for integrating psychosocial support, nutrition, and physical activity into cancer care and examines the resources available to deliver comprehensive care effectively and equitably, with a focus on telehealth solutions. A review of current guidelines related to psychosocial support, nutrition, and exercise in oncology published between the years 2020 and 2024 was conducted. Additionally, relevant articles from the authors' personal archives were included. Current guidelines emphasize routine psychosocial distress screening, nutritional assessment, and tailored physical activity interventions for patients with cancer. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network and ASCO highlight the need for regular psychosocial evaluations and the management of common psychiatric disorders. The American Cancer Society and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommend nutritional screening, personalized counseling, and exercise to improve treatment tolerance and overall quality of life. Despite these recommendations, challenges such as resource limitations, time constraints, and financial barriers hinder their implementation. Integrating psychosocial support, medical nutrition therapy, and physical activity into cancer care is essential to enhancing patients' quality of life. Telehealth offers a viable solution to overcome barriers by providing remote access to supportive services, facilitating comprehensive care, and promoting patient engagement. The effectiveness of telehealth in delivering psychosocial, nutritional, and physical activity support highlights its potential to improve patient outcomes and overcome barriers to care. Telehealth technologies hold high potential to optimize cancer care delivery, ensuring personalized support for patients throughout their cancer journey.

The Role of Exercise in Lymphedema Management: A Bibliometric Analysis

Lymphedema is a lifelong chronic health issue, and exercise approaches are considered one of the gold standards in lymphedema treatment. Numerous articles have been published on exercise approaches in lymphedema. In this study, we aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis of studies related to exercise in lymphedema. For this purpose, a search was conducted in the Scopus database on October 24, 2023, using the keywords “lymphedema and exercise’’ and 869 documents were examined. Data were downloaded from the relevant search engine. These data were analyzed using the Vosviewer and Biblioshiny package programs. Publication dates ranged from 1957 to 2023. According to the analysis results, while the United States is the leading contributor in terms of article publications (n=979), Austria leads in terms of international collaboration (n=401). The most cited publication using the keywords lymphedema and exercise is the article by Campbell et al. (2019) titled “Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors: Consensus Statement from International Multidisciplinary Roundtable,’’ published in the “Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise’’ journal with 1101 citations. “Lymphatic Research and Biology”, “Lymphology”, and “Supportive Care in Cancer” are the top three journals with the most citations in this field. Particularly, the University of Pennsylvania stands out as the most prolific institution contributing to this area with productive research output. The most prolific author with 29 articles is Kathryn H. Schmitz. The most frequently used keywords include “lymphedema”, “breast cancer”, and “lymphedema, quality of life”. The findings of this study are valuable not only for researchers and practitioners interested in lymphedema and exercise but also for anyone interested in practical applications and potential future developments. Ultimately, this comprehensive information guide could serve as an important resource and roadmap for future studies.

What lurks beneath the symptom? Why more basic scientists are needed in cancer supportive care and survivorship research.

With a growing population of people living with and beyond cancer, a larger portion of cancer research has shifted to ensuring that these people not only survive but survive well, and so supportive oncology has emerged as a critical component of modern cancer care. However, research and advancements in supportive care strategies have largely centered around symptom management, without an appreciation for the physiological mechanisms underlying the symptom. By placing a greater emphasis on understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms that lurk beneath the symptom in supportive care and survivorship research, superior symptom control and greater improvements to quality of life, through the development of targeted interventions, can be achieved.

Abstract C058: The Impact of Preferred Language on Cancer WellBeing Screen Outcomes and Supportive Care Program Touch Points

Abstract Background: Preferred language is a potential barrier to linking patients to supportive resources. At a large health system, a Wellbeing Screen (WBS) is administered to identify needs and guide referral to the Patient & Family Support Program (PFSP). Abnormal WBS and number of PFSP physician touch points were compared among cancer patients with non-preferred English language (nPEL) vs. preferred English language (PEL). We hypothesized nPEL patients may have differing needs or provision of services. Methods: A single institution retrospective study evaluating WBS among all patients receiving ambulatory cancer care at one of 7 sites from 01/2021-12/2022 was performed. The WBS instrument assesses degree of impact for 15 wellbeing domains and is assigned to patients at each oncology-related visit if a WBS has not been completed within the last 30 days. PEL vs. nPEL patients were compared for percentage of abnormal screens defined as a response of moderate/severe impact on at least one domain. Number of touch points by PFSP physicians (Supportive Care Medicine; Rehabilitation; Psychiatry) were abstracted within 30 days after any abnormal WBS. Fisher’s exact test was used to calculate odds ratios and p-values. Results: A total of 12,642 patients were assigned at least one WBS during the study period, resulting in 56,821 assigned WBSs, of which 7,898 (13.9%) were assigned to nPEL patients. PEL patients were assigned a lower average number of WBSs compared to nPEL (4.4 vs. 5.3, p<0.001). Of all assigned WBSs, 20,191 (35.5%) were completed. Of these, 10,097 (50.0%) were abnormal with moderate/severe impact on at least one domain. WBSs completed by PEL patients had 1.42 higher odds of moderate/severe impact on at least one domain compared to nPEL (p<0.001) and higher odds of moderate/severe impact on 11 of the 15 individual domains (all p<0.01). There were 5,628 PFSP physician touch points within 30 days of the 10,097 abnormal WBS. The most frequent touch points were provided by Supportive Care Medicine (55.5%), followed by Rehabilitation (29.2%) and Psychiatry (15.4%). The nPEL group had 0.34 lower odds of having any PFSP physician touch point (p<0.001) and a lower average number of PFSP physician touch points (8.4 nPEL vs 16.5 PEL, p<0.001) compared to the PEL group. nPEL had significantly lower odds of having a touch point provided by Rehabilitation (OR 0.44) and Psychiatry (OR 0.33), but significantly higher odds of having a touch point provided by Supportive Care Medicine (OR 3.01) (all p<0.001). Conclusion: WBSs completed by PEL had higher odds of identifying moderate/severe impact on at least one wellbeing domain. The nPEL group had fewer PFSP physician touch points and differing odds of services from PFSP physicians compared to the PEL group. These differences may be due to bias in the screen, differences in understanding the value of services (ie., due to language barriers or cultural perception), or referral patterns. Further evaluation of non-physician PFSP services, such as Social Work, Clinical Nutrition, and Spiritual Care, is ongoing. Citation Format: Justin Kim, Scott Irwin, Kevin Tsang, Hongyu Liu, Nicholas Tatonetti, Margaret Liang. The Impact of Preferred Language on Cancer WellBeing Screen Outcomes and Supportive Care Program Touch Points [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr C058.

Supportive care 2030 movement: towards unifying ambitions for global excellence in supportive cancer care—an international Delphi study

Supportive care to ensure optimal quality of life is an essential component of cancer care and symptom control across the lifespan. Ongoing advances in cancer treatment, increasing toxicity from many novel treatment regimes, and variations in access to care and cancer outcomes across the globe and resource settings present significant challenges for supportive care delivery. To date, no overarching framework has been developed to guide supportive care development worldwide. As an initial step of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) Supportive Care 2030 Movement, we developed a targeted, unifying set of ambition statements to envision the future of supportive cancer care. From September 2022 until June 2023, we used a modified Delphi methodology to develop and attain consensus about ambition statements related to supportive cancer care. Leaders of MASCC Study Groups were invited to participate in an Expert Panel for the first two Delphi rounds (and a preliminary round to suggest potential ambition statements). Patient Advocates then examined and provided input regarding the ambition statements. Twenty-seven Expert Panelists and 11 Patient Advocates participated. Consensus was attained on 13 ambition statements, with two sub-statements. The ambition statements addressed global standards for guideline development and implementation, coordinated and individualized care, dedicated supportive oncology services, self-management, needs for screening and actions, patient education, behavioral support, financial impact minimization, comprehensive survivorship care, and timely palliative care, reflecting collaboration, coordination and team-based approach across all levels. This study is the first to develop shared ambitions for the future of supportive cancer care on a global level. These ambition statements can facilitate a coordinated, resource-stratified, and person-centered approach and inform research, education, clinical services, and policy efforts. This project received funding support from Prof Raymond Chan's NHMRC Investigator Grant (APP1194051).

Survey of international pediatric nutritional supportive care practices: a report from the Pediatric Study Group of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC)

PurposeMalnutrition is common in children with cancer. While multiple validated malnutrition screens exist, there is no universal, standardized approach to screen or diagnose malnutrition. The Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) Pediatric Study Group is focused on oncologic supportive care for children and young adults. This subgroup designed and administered a pilot study to characterize global malnutrition screening, diagnosis, and treatment practices for pediatric patients with cancer after identifying variations in malnutrition practice patterns within its members.MethodsA novel, exploratory survey was iteratively developed and distributed in early 2020 to 45 MASCC Pediatric Study Group members. The survey included multiple questions with standard patient presentations and nutritional scenarios, and the respondents selected the answer that best reflected the care patients would receive at their institution.ResultsA validated screening tool to assess for malnutrition was routinely used by 15 of 26 respondents (58%). No single validated screen was used by more than 24% of responders, and 11 of 26 (42%) reported not having a standard malnutrition treatment screen. When the same patient was presented with the survey using different malnutrition indicators, patient care plans varied greatly. This was particularly true for z-scores compared to weight percentiles.ConclusionsDevelopment of consensus recommendations for screening practices, preferred malnutrition indicators, and treatment guidelines could help reduce the underdiagnosis of malnutrition and subsequent variation in its management and ought to be a focus of the global pediatric cancer supportive care community.

Global disparities in cancer supportive care: An international survey.

The global cancer burden is rising, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), highlighting a critical research gap in understanding disparities in supportive care access. To address this, the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) Health Disparities Committee initiated a global survey to investigate and delineate these disparities. This study aims to explore and compare supportive care access disparities between LMIC and High-Income Countries (HIC). An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among active members of MASCC. Members, representing diverse healthcare professions received email invitations. The survey, available for 3 weeks, comprised sections covering (1) sociodemographic information; (2) clinical service/practice-related disparities in their region/nation; (3) population groups facing disparities within their region or country. Chi-squared or Fisher's exact test for cross-sectional analyses, and a multivariable logistic regression model was employed for statistical analysis. A total of 218 active members participated, with one-quarter (26.6%) from LMIC and 18.4% ethnic minorities, timely cancer care (43.7%) and timely supportive care (45.0%) emerged as the most pressing disparities globally. Notably, participants from LMIC underscored cancer drug affordability (56.4%) and supportive care guideline implementation (56.4%) as critical issues. Economically disadvantaged populations were noted as more likely to face disparities by both LMIC and HIC (non-US-based) respondents, while US-based respondents identified racial/ethnic minorities as facing more disparities. This global survey reveals significant disparities in cancer supportive care between LMIC and HIC, with a particular emphasis on medication affordability and guideline implementation in LMIC. Addressing these disparities requires targeted intervention, considering specific regional priorities.

Optimizing resistance training intensity in supportive care for survivors of breast cancer: velocity-based approach in the row exercise.

Resistance training mitigates side effects during and after cancer treatment. To provide a new approach for precisely and safely assessing and prescribing the intensity of resistance training in supportive cancer care, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the load-velocity relationship during the row exercise in women survivors of breast cancer. Twenty women survivors of breast cancer who had undergone surgery and had completed core breast cancer treatment within the previous 10years completed an incremental loading test until the one repetition maximum (1RM) in the row exercise. The velocity was measured during the concentric phase of each repetition with a linear velocity transducer, and their relationship with the relative load was analyzed by linear and polynomial regression models. A strong relationship was observed between movement velocity and relative load for all measured velocity variables using linear and polynomial regression models (R2 > 0.90; SEE < 6.00%1RM). The mean velocity and mean propulsive velocity of 1RM was 0.40 ± 0.03m·s-1, whereas the peak velocity at 1RM was 0.64 ± 0.07m·s1. In women survivors of breast cancer, monitoring movement velocity during the row exercise can facilitate precise assessment and prescription of resistance training intensity in supportive cancer care.

Global hotspots and research trends of radiation-induced skin injury: a bibliometric analysis from 2004 to 2023.

Radiation therapy has become an important treatment for many malignant tumours after surgery and for palliative tumour care. Although modern radiotherapy technology is constantly improving, radiation damage to normal tissues is often difficult to avoid, and radiation-induced skin injury (RSI) is a common complication, manifested as skin erythema, peeling, ulceration, and even bone and deep organ damage, seriously affect the quality of life for patients. Basic research and clinical trials related to RSI have achieved certain results, while no researchers have conducted comprehensive bibliometric studies. A comprehensive bibliometric analysis of publications on RSI published between 2004 and 2023 was conducted to identify current hotspots and future directions in this area of study. RSI-related publications published between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2023, were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database for analysis using VOSviewer and CiteSpace analytics. A total of 1009 publications on RSI from 2004 to 2023 were included in the WoSCC database. The United States had the highest productivity with 299 papers, accounting for 29.63% of the total production, followed by China with 193 papers (19.13%) and Japan with 111 papers (11.00%). In terms of research institutions and journals, the University of Toronto and Journal of Supportive Care in Cancer published the highest number of papers. Professor Edward Chow published the most articles, while Professor Shuyu Zhang was the most cited. The top ten most-cited papers focused on the pathogenesis, prevention, and management of RSI. Keyword co-occurrence analysis and the top 25 keywords with the strongest citation bursts suggest that current research focuses on the pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment management of RSI. This study conducted a systematic bibliometric analysis of RSI publications from 2004 to 2023; identified the trends in RSI publications, major research countries, major research institutions, major research journals, major research authors, and major research keywords; and revealed the future development direction and research hotspots of this field. This study provides a valuable reference for future RSI research.

Virtual reality-based supportive care interventions for patients with cancer: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

This umbrella review aimed to identify, critically appraise, and synthesize current evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the applications of virtual reality-based supportive care interventions in cancer. Three bibliographic databases were searched from inception to February 1, 2024. Two independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts of 421 records and retrieved 26 full-text systematic reviews. Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2) was used for quality assessment. Qualitative syntheses were performed to investigate the effects of virtual reality-based supportive care interventions on quality of life and physical, psychological, cognitive, and functional outcomes. Meta-analysis was performed based on data from the distinct primary studies that were extracted from the included reviews. This umbrella review included 20 systematic reviews that were published between 2018 and 2023; nine of them conducted meta-analyses. A total of 86 distinct primary studies were identified. According to the AMSTAR-2 assessment, two reviews were evaluated as moderate quality, nine as low, and nine as critically low. Meta-analyses of primary studies revealed significant effects of virtual reality on anxiety (p < 0.001), depression (p < 0.001), and pain (p < 0.001), but not fatigue (p = 0.263). Qualitative syntheses revealed positive effects of virtual reality on physical function, cognitive function, and quality of life. Limited evidence was reported regarding outcomes of balance, gait, mobility, and activities of daily living. Virtual reality has proven to be a safe and feasible approach to deliver supportive care in cancer. Virtual reality can be implemented in various stages and settings of the cancer care continuum to support patients undergoing painful procedures, during or after chemotherapy, and after surgical interventions. Virtual reality can serve as an effective supportive care intervention to manage anxiety, pain, and depression for patients with cancer.

Photobiomodulation therapy for oral lesions: a bibliometric analysis

Photobiomodulation therapy is a nonthermal light therapy with therapeutic properties for pain and inflammation relief, immune modulation, and tissue regeneration. Our goal was to provide a comprehensive overview of photobiomodulation therapy for oral lesions using visual mapping techniques. We used VOSViewer to analyze publications in the “photobiomodulation” and “oral lesion” categories from PubMed, Scopus, and Dimension AI databases, allowing us to track author contributions, journal, institutional affiliations, and contributions by country. A total of 373 publications from 1991 to 2022 were gathered. Notably, Brazil, the United States, and France emerged as major contributors in this field. The College of Dentistry at the University of Florida (US) ranked first with 515 citations. Jan Magnus Bjordal was the most prolific author, receiving 207 total citations. Supportive Care in Cancer and Photomedicine and Laser Surgery were identified as the two most promising journals. The intellectual structure was divided into four clusters: cluster one for ‘lllt’, cluster two for ‘head and neck cancer’, cluster three for ‘olp’, and cluster four for ‘inflammatory mediators’. Overall, there has been a significant increase in research on photobiomodulation, particularly over the last decade. The study identified four distinct research clusters: low-level light therapy, head and neck cancer, oral lichen planus, and inflammatory mediators. These findings highlight the need for further research into photobiomodulation in the treatment of various oral diseases. This trend may indicate an increase in the use of low-level light therapy to treat oral lesions in the population, as well as the potential for alternative treatments.