808-nm Photobiomodulation Affects the Viability of a Head and Neck Squamous Carcinoma Cellular Model, Acting on Energy Metabolism and Oxidative Stress Production

Abstract

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a form of low-dose light therapy that acts through energy delivery from non-ionizing sources. During the recent two decades, there has been tremendous progress with PBM acceptance in medicine. However, PBM effects on potential stimulation of existing malignant or pre-malignant cells remain unknown. Thus, the primary endpoint was to assess the safety of PBM treatment parameters on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) proliferation or survival. The secondary endpoint was to assess any putative anti-cancer effects of PBM treatments. Cell viability, energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and pro- and anti-apoptotic markers expression were investigated on a Human Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma cellular model (OHSU-974 FAcorr cell line). PBM therapy was administered through the 810 nm diode laser (GaAlAs) device (Garda Laser, 7024 Negrar, Verona, Italy) at the powers of 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, or 1.25 W in continuous wave (CW) mode for an exposure time of 60 s with a spot-size of 1 cm2 and with a distance of 1.86 cm from the cells. Results showed that 810-nm PBM affected oxidative phosphorylation in OHSU-971 FAcorr, causing a metabolic switch to anaerobic glycolysis. In addition, PBM reduced the catalase activity, determining an unbalance between oxidative stress production and the antioxidant defenses, which could stimulate the pro-apoptotic cellular pathways. Our data, at the parameters investigated, suggest the safeness of PBM as a supportive cancer therapy. Pre-clinical and clinical studies are necessary to confirm the in vitro evidence.

Steering the multipotent mesenchymal cells towards an anti-inflammatory and osteogenic bias via photobiomodulation therapy: How to kill two birds with one stone

“…Therefore, 808-nm light delivered at 1 W and 60 J/cm 2 appears to be suitable for experimental in vivo translation, based on the results on MSC differentiation and secretome release ( Figure 2(b) and ( c )) as well as the lack of adverse effects during 1-year follow-up in patients affected by Bell’s palsy and major aphthae who had been irradiated and had recovered 57 , 120 ; the therapy was able to kill carcinoma cells. 53 …”

“…Moreover, currently unknown photoacceptors might be activated by light and affect the outcome of PBM-t, leading to unexpected results, and cancer and prokaryotic cells may be undesirable targets. 52 , 53 The PBM effects on patients affected by cell metabolic dysfunctions (e.g. Fanconi anaemia) have not been investigated extensively.…”

“…However, in the last years, the role of mitochondria energetic metabolism in cancer homeostasis gained attention. 53 Particularly, ATP increase through PBM-t therapy irradiation can lead to pro-apoptotic cytotoxic stimuli, inducing energy-dependent cell death programmes but also on PhosphatidylInositol 3-Kinase (PI3K)/Protein kinase B (AKT)/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), TGF-β, MAPK, that can support the cancer growth and differentiation. Recently, the effect of an 808-nm PBM-t irradiated with a flat-top hand-piece at 1 W, 60 J/cm 2 for the 60 s on a spot area of 1 cm 2 on head and neck squamous carcinoma was described; PBM was able to kill carcinoma through inhibition of catalase activities that made the cell unable to counteract oxidative stress.…”

“…Recently, the effect of an 808-nm PBM-t irradiated with a flat-top hand-piece at 1 W, 60 J/cm 2 for the 60 s on a spot area of 1 cm 2 on head and neck squamous carcinoma was described; PBM was able to kill carcinoma through inhibition of catalase activities that made the cell unable to counteract oxidative stress. 53 Of note, Bensadoun et al 119 showed as growing literature indicates that PBM-t could be considered relatively safe and effective, despite further elucidation has to be provided regarding PBM use in oncology.…”

A Narrative Review on Oral and Periodontal Bacteria Microbiota Photobiomodulation, through Visible and Near-Infrared Light: From the Origins to Modern Therapies

“…Therefore, PBM therapy seems to support treatments in many medical and veterinary areas to restore cell dysfunction and promote recovery from illness [62,[69][70][71][72][73][74][75]. PBM therapy has been recommended unequivocally for oral mucositis prevention in patients treated with chemotherapy by the Mucositis Study Group of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer/International Society for Oral Oncology [76]. However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential stimulatory effect on existing malignant or pre-malignant cells and induction of therapeutic resistance [77][78][79].…”