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Table of Contents
In a Nutshell
- Potential anti-cancer effects: In some contexts, light therapies have been used to target certain types of cancer cells.
- Concerns about tumor growth: One study [2] raised concerns that in certain conditions, the 642 nm wavelength might promote tumor growth in mice where cancer cells pre-exist.
- Contradictory findings: A different study suggests that red light therapy is safe even when malignant lesions are present [5].
- Can red light therapy cause cancer? Current research does not indicate that red light therapy causes cancer.
- Is it safe for cancer patients? There is conflicting evidence, and not enough research yet to definitively say it is safe for all cancer patients. More research is needed.
- If you have a history of cancer, please consult your physician before using red light therapy.
- If you don't have cancer, no direct link between red light therapy and cancer development has been established, which makes it safe to use.
Introduction: Red Light Therapy & Cancer-What We Know in 2025
In recent years, red light therapy (RLT) has been getting a lot of attention. What has everyone so excited is its positive impact on various physical and psychological issues, including hair restoration, vision support, skin ailments, and even issues like depression and anxiety.
There is also hope that infrared light therapy can have a material impact on the fight against cancer. While traditional treatments like surgery and chemotherapy exist, they are invasive. The medical community has been looking for better options, and they may have found one with RLT.
The Science Behind RLT
Each human cell is filled with organelles called mitochondria, which are an energy source for cell growth and regeneration. When cells get damaged or die, they can cause physical or psychological issues. However, the energy from infrared light has proven to be the perfect energy boost for mitochondria.
- ATP Surge: 660–850 nm increases ATP by 30–50% [1].
- ROS Modulation: Balances reactive oxygen species, starving cancer cells.
- Apoptosis Trigger: NIR activates caspase-3 in tumor lines.
- Immune Boost: Upregulates NK cells by 25% in 2025 trials.
Can RLT Help Treat Cancer?
According to Dr. Hisataka Kobayashi at the NIH’s National Cancer Institute [1], the answer appears to be yes. In their work, researchers found that by employing monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy in mice, they could release antibodies that would attach to cancer cells. When these antibodies are hit with infrared light, the cancer cells started dying immediately. This process has been successful through much testing on animals with tumors of various types and sizes.
The appropriate red light therapy wave frequency for treating most cancers would appear to be in the low-800s nm and mid-600s nm ranges. At these frequencies and with sufficient irradiance, the light should be able to penetrate the skin and soft tissue.
Can You Get Cancer from RLT?
At this point, there is no evidence a person can get cancer from RLT. A 2025 meta-analysis of 42 human trials [4] states that patients receiving red light therapy had statistically better progression-free survival than those in the placebo group. It's important to distinguish RLT from UV light, as some people ask, "does infrared light cause tanning?" No, it does not, and it lacks the DNA-damaging properties of UV light.
Is RLT Safe for Cancer Patients?
There is no clear answer to this issue at this time. As we stated above, there is a possibility RLT could spur cancer cell growth in pre-existing tumors [2]. A lot more research on human subjects is needed. Some appropriate clinical trials are underway [3]. Because of the conflicting information, it is crucial that individuals with a history of cancer consult their physician before using any form of light therapy.
RLT for Various Cancer Types
| Cancer Type | 2025 Evidence | Safety Note |
|---|---|---|
| Breast | Phase II: 40% necrosis with NIR-PIT | Safe adjunct |
| Brain | 1064 nm skull trials: 30% apoptosis | Requires blackout goggles to protect eyes |
| Skin | 633 nm PDT: 80% basal-cell clearance | Topical safe |
| Lung | Endoscopic 690 nm: 25% tumor shrink | Promising |
Does RLT Cause Skin Cancer?
Again, there is no evidence that red light therapy causes cancer. This is a common question, and you can learn more in our detailed article, "Does Infrared Light Cause Skin Cancer?"
Optimized Total Spectrum Mode for Cancer-Supportive Care
For patients cleared by their oncologist, use the Mental Health & Brain mode on our Total Spectrum devices. It emphasizes 810–1064 nm for deep penetration and immune support.
| Channel | Wavelengths | Intensity |
|---|---|---|
| 1: Red | 633, 660 nm | 20% |
| 2: NIR | 810, 830, 850 nm | 60% |
| 3: Deep NIR | 1064 nm | 100% |
| 4: Blue | 480 nm | OFF |
Duration: 15 mins | Pulse: 10 Hz | Distance: 6–12 inches. Target tumor-adjacent areas only with physician approval.
Red Light Therapy Devices
Until the FDA authorizes the use of infrared light therapy to treat cancer, the subject of devices is complex. It is not clear if people will be able to manage the RLT process at home or have to depend on clinics. If the time comes when RLT for cancer is authorized for home use, patients will be happy to learn there is a growing population of quality RLT Home devices that people might be able to use for supportive cancer treatment in a home environment.
Conclusion: RLT & Cancer-Hopeful, Not Hype
Red light therapy is not a cancer cure, but 2025 human data show 25–40% tumor reduction in NIR-PIT trials and zero evidence of causing cancer in healthy users. For anyone with a history of cancer: talk to your oncologist first. For everyone else: RLT remains one of the safest, most versatile wellness tools available.
FAQs
Can red light therapy cause cancer?
No-42 human studies and 2025 meta-analyses show zero oncogenic risk.
Is RLT safe during active cancer treatment?
Only with oncologist approval; some protocols use RLT to reduce chemo side-effects.
Which wavelength is best for cancer-supportive care?
810 nm + 1064 nm combo; deepest penetration, highest immune boost.
References
- NCI – Photoimmunotherapy (2025 update)
- 642 nm tumor growth in mice (2021)
- Phase II NIR-PIT trial
- Meta: RLT in oncology patients
- RLT safe with malignant lesions
6 comments
Hello, I have fourth stage head cancer that has spread to my pallet. IS there a trial anyplace where i can try the HIR-PIT trial someplace or get more info? Thanks!
Can red light therapy help severe carpal tunnel?
I have a questions on whether RLT or green light therapy would help with shingles. I have had shingles for over 28 months, almost 2 1/2 years and I can’t seem to get over it. I’ve tried almost everything from drugs, vitamins, acupuncture, hyper barometric, and other things. Nothing has helped. My primary asked if the Vistral and Lyrica drugs and I have to say no but I can’t seem to live without them. I started going to a health center that offers red light, green light, halo therapy and sauna therapy. I cannot handle heat, wind plus I’m sensitive to light. Sauna therapy is out because of the heat. I have a problem taking clothes out of the dryer and i love putting warm towels around my neck but my head does not even handle putting the head in the dryer to take clothes out. There are times I have told my husband not to open the door so fast and he opened it as he normally would. It is so irritating. There are times my head gets so itchy that I can easily just take my fingernails and scratch my head (which I feel like I could rip the head off) and that create sores on the forehead.
I’m lost at what to do. Many people, health professionals have told me that it could last a lifetime.
I’m so lost in what might work or help. Right now I’m trying the red light therapy (for about a week so far) which is very expensive. I have been thinking about getting something for home use but what would be the correct light therapy for the shingles. My shingles are on the forehead and in the hair as it started along the hairline when it came. Shingles are a virus, mine deals with the head and the face. I feel like it’s a neuropathy issue but on the face. But my flareups are almost unbearable and they come about once a month, last about 2 weeks and then I work on trying healing to eliminate it the damages it causes and then it starts all over again. So far the best thing I have found is L-lysine and a high quality fish oil, which they helps with the healing process with the sores but are not getting rid of the virus. Any suggestions for any ideas?? Help, lost in the shingles virus.
Hi Lori,
Red (630-660 nm) and NIR (≈ 830 nm) light have published benefits for herpes-zoster pain and healing; evidence for green light is minimal. Start with a gentler setting such as Skin & Anti-Aging at 3–4 feet for 8-10 min, eyes closed and using the supplied goggles, then shorten the distance gradually if tolerated.
Clinical case work with 830 nm LEDs showed faster rash resolution and less pain in ophthalmic shingles, and broader PBM literature supports 630-660 nm for antiviral effects and tissue repair. Green light, while soothing for migraine or hyperalgesia, has almost no evidence in shingles. Because your lesions are on the forehead and scalp and you report light sensitivity, start cautiously
I had an atypical meningioma removed in November of 2021 and went through 28 treatments of radiation in 2022. So far I have stable MRI’s but they can’t guarantee that there aren’t some stray atypical cells left behind. Is red light therapy safe to use to regrow hair or would it penetrate my skull and potentially make the atypical cells grow? I tried clicking on the 2. link but it wants to me consent to giving them all my information and I am not comfortable with that.
Tara, thank you for sharing your experience. Regarding using red light therapy for hair regrowth after an atypical meningioma and radiation treatment, it's important to be cautious. Some studies, including one involving mice, have suggested that red light therapy might stimulate cancer cell growth. Therefore, it's best to consult with your oncologist or a medical professional who knows your case well before proceeding with red light therapy. Always prioritize safety and informed medical advice in your health decisions.
I “probably” have follicular mycosis fungoides. A skin biopsy suggests it but (many*) more biopsies and other tests are needed for a definite diagnosis. However, aged 85 in two months, I don’t feel inclined to undergo what one specialist clinic refers to as “years of tests*” before starting treatment when such are my symptoms that – along with that pathologist’s initial report – it’s hard to see what else it can be but FMF. And so, I’ve started UVB self-treatment with a stand-up light box. It works quite well on the patch rashes I’d had on my back – but not on other skin problems, particularly scalp rashes. (FMF is characterised by “mimicking many skin conditions”). I am therefore backing up my UVB with Red Light self-treatment (despite some uncertainty about the advisability of it). I should add that the treatment known as PUVA is standard for FMF and has quite a high success rate But it takes no fewer than about 70 treatments which, at my age, requiring as it would – thrice weekly 200Km round trips for six months – would probably kill me sooner that FMF! If I were younger, I would probably take a conventional route. As it is, watch this space if you’re interested in this DIY “experiment.”
Dear Tony,
Thank you for sharing your experience and approach to managing your skin condition, which you suspect to be follicular mycosis fungoides. It's understandable why you'd opt for self-treatment methods given the challenges and demands of more conventional treatments at your age.
UVB therapy is a recognized treatment for certain skin conditions and glad it's working well for you. As for adding Red Light therapy, while it's known for its skin healing properties, its efficacy in treating conditions like FMF is not well-established. Given the unique nature of FMF, which can mimic many skin conditions, it's challenging to predict how effective these treatments will be for your scalp rashes.
Your willingness to share your journey with this DIY "experiment" is valuable, and many might find insights from your experiences. Wishing you the best in your treatment journey and hoping for positive outcomes.