Red Light Therapy for Precancerous

Table of Contents

• Introduction: Understanding Red Light Therapy for Precancerous Conditions
• What Are Precancerous Conditions?
• How Red Light Therapy Works for Precancerous Cells
• Red Light Therapy vs. Traditional Treatments
• How to Use Red Light Therapy for Precancerous Lesions
• Scientific Research on Red Light Therapy for Precancerous Conditions
• Clinical Research on Red Light Therapy for Precancerous Cells
• Choosing the Right Red Light Therapy Device
• Choosing a Trusted Red Light Therapy Device: Why RLT Home Is a Reliable Option
• Finding the Right Dosage: Frequency, Session Length, and Distance
• Conclusion: Is Red Light Therapy Safe for Precancerous Conditions?
• FAQs: Addressing Common Questions

The word precancerous is used to describe a condition, lesion, or collection of abnormal cells that exhibit changes in shape or growth. They are not yet cancerous, but they are more likely to become cancerous as time goes by. Precancerous cells, also referred to as premalignant cells, tend to have visible changes in shape, size, and structure. These abnormal cell alterations may be found in various organs or tissues such as the skin, cervix, colon, mouth, or lungs. If such cells are neglected and not dealt with adequately, they might advance and grow into cancer.

There are many conventional methods to erase premalignant cells, but all these treatments have some limitations and involve downtime. Due to this reason, individuals are looking for more drug-free and non-invasive therapies. Among them, red light therapy has become one of the most effective light therapies in the clinical field. Red light therapy has been shown to heal numerous conditions at the cellular level.

While its immediate impact on cancer and precancerous cells is yet to be known, how red light therapy enhances cellular regeneration and repair lends credibility to its ability to promote healthy cell growth. Red light therapy is also utilized in a technique known as photodynamic therapy, where it is combined with a photosensitizing drug and red and near-infrared light to kill precancerous cells.

In this article, we will explore how red light therapy for precancerous conditions works, its potential uses, and what scientific research says about its effectiveness.

Precancerous states are health conditions where cells in a part of your body start to become abnormal. Healthy cells in your body usually grow, multiply, and die in a regulated way. These cells are not yet cancerous, but with some likelihood, they might turn into cancerous or malignant cells if not treated and diagnosed at the correct time.

These conditions may arise in many different organs, like the skin, cervix, colon, mouth, and lungs. When alterations occur in the organelles of a cell or within its DNA, the cells begin dividing abnormally and grow at a fast rate. Eventually, they can acquire more mutations, elevating the possibility of becoming malignant or cancerous cells. Through such cellular alteration, they cease to grow, divide, and die as per the body's normal cycle.

Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation or low-level laser treatment, is a drug-free and non-invasive treatment. It is not based on any harmful chemicals or needles. Rather, it functions by employing red and near-infrared light of low wavelengths. In contrast to UV light, these wavelengths of light are not harsh on your skin and do not change the structure of your DNA.

Red and near-infrared light travel deeply into the skin and stimulate cytochrome c oxidase, an enzyme that activates the function of the mitochondria, which are cellular energy-producing organelles. Simply put, red light therapy stimulates the mitochondria to produce more energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This energy enhances a number of cellular processes and enables cells to repair and regenerate more rapidly.

For precancerous lesions, red light therapy does not destroy or eliminate unwanted cells, but it can stimulate the growth of normal cells and prevent the formation of precancerous lesions. Red light therapy also encourages good cell growth by increasing blood circulation within the body.

Red light therapy stimulates the production of nitric oxide, which widens blood vessels and enables blood to circulate more effectively. This enhanced circulation makes it possible for cells to gain a higher supply of oxygen and nutrients, allowing them to heal faster. You see, chronic pain and inflammation can make the protective mechanisms of the immune system become aggressive and create damage to the cells.

Red light therapy stops cells from being further damaged by reducing inflammation and pain. It is anti-inflammatory by blocking the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines and pain by releasing endorphins, which are natural painkillers the body releases.

Red light therapy is also used in certain medical facilities as one of the treatments of photodynamic therapy (PDT). In this process, the subject area is treated with a light-sensitive medication before and afterwards activated with near-infrared or red light. These combined ingredients operate to kill defective or precancerous cells while causing little harm to normal tissue.

Individuals with precancerous or premalignant conditions tend to be given conventional treatments. They are effective, but they do have limitations and can produce side effects. Conventional treatment for precancerous states tends to involve surgical excision, cryotherapy (freezing off), laser therapy, or topical creams. Conventional treatment typically takes time off work and results in side effects of pain, redness, scarring, and impaired healing. Furthermore, some treatments involve invasiveness and the need for repeated sessions or follow-up treatment.

Red light therapy, however, is a drug-free and risk-free treatment. It does not give rise to side effects as compared to conventional treatments. This treatment applies low wavelengths of red and near-infrared light, which do not directly eliminate precancerous cells but rather enhance the general health of tissues and facilitate cellular repair. Red light therapy can also prevent the development of precancerous cells by causing an increase in energy production, improved circulation, and a decrease in chronic pain and inflammation.

Scientific research indicates that red light therapy has two primary applications for precancerous cells: photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photobiomodulation (PBM). Research indicates that when red light is combined with a photosensitizing cream in PDT therapy, it kills precancerous cells. Red light therapy, as photobiomodulation, sustains decreasing inflammation, healing, and alleviating side effects following cancer treatments. But evidence is not sufficient to establish that PBM can eradicate or reverse precancerous cells by itself. Research also reinforces the use of red light therapy as a complementary technique for the treatment of precancerous conditions.

Study 1: Methyl Aminolevulinate Photodynamic Therapy (MAL-PDT) with Red Light for Treating Actinic Keratosis and Field Cancerization.

Objective

The overall purpose of this research was to analyze and compare various treatment techniques that involve Methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) in photodynamic therapy (PDT) with red light for actinic keratosis (AK) and field cancerization. The study aimed to determine how MAL-PDT using red light and other light sources can be individualized for patients with different skin diseases and treatment needs.

Results

The outcome proved MAL-PDT with red light is an extremely effective and safe therapy for AK, with excellent rates of lesion clearance and low recurrence. Red light, as well as daylight and artificial daylight, can be employed for illumination, with all of them resulting in vigorous therapeutic effects with few side effects. The therapy is tolerated well by healthy subjects and even by immunosuppressed individuals, e.g., organ transplant recipients. It also produces superior cosmetic results and enables flexibility in treatment, enhancing patient comfort and compliance.

Conclusion

Red light MAL-PDT is a trusted, efficacious, and patient-tolerant treatment for actinic keratosis and its prevention from evolving into keratinocyte carcinoma. Given that AK is a recurrent disease that may necessitate multiple treatments, red light–based MAL-PDT provides a non-invasive, safe alternative that facilitates the healing of the skin, minimizes recurrence, and sustains long-term skin health and aesthetics.

Study 2: Evaluating the Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) in Cancer Treatment Practices.

Objective

The primary objective of the current systematic review was to evaluate the impact of different photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) methods, including laser and light-emitting diode (LED)-based treatments, on oncology therapy and patient health. The review also aimed to identify PBMT's impact on cancer cell behavior, whether it can reduce treatment side effects, and its safety and efficacy in general in oncology therapies.

Results

23 trials were examined, 14 laser PBMT and 9 LED PBMT. In the lab, laser PBMT was found to be able to kill tumors, boost chemotherapy, and maximize natural product effects. But results were conflicting: some wavelengths prevented tumor formation in animal models while others induced formation in in vitro cultures. LED PBMT demonstrated that blue light could suppress melanoma and pancreatic cancer cell growth by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS), whereas red light caused some concerns about triggering oral cancer cell activity. Despite the variations, laser and LED PBMT both reduced side effects of cancer therapy — such as mouth ulcers, dry mouth, and neuropathic pain- and improved the quality of life in patients.

Conclusion

Laser or LED photobiomodulation therapy holds promise as an adjuvant treatment modality in oncology. It has the potential to counteract side effects and accelerate recovery, but demonstrates direct effects on cancer cells only when it is wavelength-of-light, nature-of-cancer, and dose-dependent. Standardization of PBMT protocols and the establishment of long-term safety and efficacy of PBMT in the treatment of cancer need further clinical trials.

You can do red light therapy for precancerous cells by employing a good red light therapy device. It is important to acquire a good device because there are quite a few devices out there that do not have the necessary features and are not effective or safe to use at home. Search for these to obtain a good red light therapy device:

1. Specific Wavelength

Your device has to emit the correct range of red and near-infrared light. For precancerous cells, your device has to emit red light between 610, 630, 633, 650, and 660 nm, and near-infrared light between 810, 830, 850, and 1064 nm, since these wavelengths cause cellular recovery, promote blood flow, and decrease inflammation and pain.

2. FDA-approved

Your device should be approved by the FDA or certified by another nation-based regulatory body since such devices have endured rigorous testing and are safe and effective to use at home.

3. Sufficient Power Output

Your device should produce adequate power output, allowing light to penetrate deep into the tissues without being interrupted.

4. Source of Light

Your device should have good-quality and medically graded bulbs since these bulbs are capable of emitting concentrated red and near-infrared light, whereas other bulbs, such as incandescent and halogen, cannot, and they are of no therapeutic benefit.

5. Adjustable Intensity

Your device should have adjustable intensity so you can adjust the light as per your requirement and comfort.

6. Portability

Your unit has to be portable so that you can carry it anywhere you wish and not miss any of your sessions.

You can buy a good-quality red light therapy device from RLT Home. It is a company that manufactures a variety of good-quality and well-designed red light therapy devices. The devices emit the appropriate range of red and near-infrared light that activate cellular recovery, improve blood flow, and relieve pain and inflammation. The gadgets are also FDA approved and hold other qualifications like CE and RoHS for effectiveness and safety.

RLT Home devices are simple to operate and perfect for household use. They are designed from superior quality materials and are engineered to deliver sustained performance. You can simply set the settings based on your own convenience and define target body areas for application. Whether you use them for overall well-being or for facilitating cellular repair, these devices offer a consistent and secure therapy session.

In cancerous or pre-cancerous conditions, it is of very critical significance to establish the appropriate dosage for efficacy and safety while using red light therapy. Dosage relies on three main aspects: distance from the device, time per session, and frequency. Red light therapy typically must be used cautiously under professional guidance, especially while treating pre-cancerous or abnormal cells. Most professionals recommend starting with treatment sessions of 5 to 10 minutes and two or three sessions per week, and watching how your body adapts. As long as no side effects are encountered, the time can be progressively increased. The distance between your epidermis and the light source is usually between 6 and 12 inches and depends on the power and intensity of the device.

It should be noted that red light therapy is not a cancer treatment, but it can be used as an adjuvant therapy to enhance cell healing, reduce inflammation, and mitigate the side effects of conventional treatments like radiation or chemotherapy. Always follow the instructions from the manufacturer and consult medical professionals before therapy, especially if you are undergoing cancer treatment. Overheating or skin irritation may be the result of improper dosage or proximity of the device.

Is Red Light Therapy Safe for Precancerous Patients? 

Yes, red light therapy is safe for precancerous patients since it does not change the DNA composition and has no side effects like those from UV rays. Near-infrared and red light, indeed, accelerate healing by stimulating increased energy generation and increasing blood flow. Red light therapy holds promise in helping the normal cells' healthy repair and division.

What are the Dangers of Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy is generally safe and does not cause any danger. However, sometimes personal errors, such as placing the device too close or performing red light therapy for too long, can cause mild side effects like skin irritation and redness. These side effects, however, subside soon.

Does red light therapy help precancerous cells?

Red light therapy used in photodynamic therapy can help destroy precancerous cells. However, some studies have also found positive effects of using red light therapy in oncology.

What is the best treatment for precancerous cells?

The best treatment for precancerous cells depends on their type and location. Common options include minor surgery, cryotherapy (freezing), laser therapy, or topical medicines to remove or destroy the abnormal cells.

Can a cancer patient use red light therapy?

Yes, cancer patients can use red light therapy because it has not been found to cause any harm or side effects in individuals dealing with cancer.

References

1. A Review of MAL-PDT for the Treatment Strategy of Actinic Keratosis: Broader Clinical Perspectives Beyond the Data and Guideline Recommendations.
2. Reviewing the efficiency of photobiomodulation therapy in oncological treatment.

Learn More

• Red Light Therapy - Does it Help or Cause Cancer? (Home Use) 
• Does Infrared Light Cause Skin Cancer? Facts, Risks, and Myths Explained 
• Can Red Light Therapy Cause Melanoma? Understanding the Risks and Safety