Photobiomodulation – Next Steps
Johnathan George
Photobiomodulation and Wound Healing
The final clinical applications panel discussed the use of PBM in wound healing. Moderator Praveen Arany, from the University at Buffalo and president of the North American Association for Photobiomodulation Therapy (NAALT), introduced the panel with a presentation on the phases of wound healing. His research has pointed to a particular factor, Transforming Growth Factor-β1 (TGF-β1) being activated in PBM. Robert Bowen, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine at West Virginia University, presented his use of laser debridement of chronic wounds with an Er:YAG 2940-nm laser. His inability to bill for Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) due to insurance companies denying coverage of PBMT has prevented him from utilizing it clinically. Nathaniel Treister, DMD, DMSc, Division of Oral Medicine and Dentistry, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, introduced oral mucositis, his recent feasibility, and his application for a future, NIH funded study. He expressed the need for healthy skepticism in the evaluation of PBMT, for good pre-clinical data, and for results published in well-regarded medical journals.
Photobiomodulation and Medical Devices
The last part of the Incubator included a panel highlighting thoughts for moving forward and a lively discussion. Panelists included Ilko Ilev, Ph.D. from the Food & Drug Administration who discussed the FDA’s concerns about the fundamental safety and efficacy of PBMT medical devices. He pointed to a need for increased understanding of dose, the window of action, and timing parameters. Brian Pryor, LiteCure, LLC, talked about the need for the PBMT medical device industry to work together to set standards, to overcome common barriers and to express a common message. John Ives, Ph.D. from the Samueli Institute presented his organizations role in evaluating controversial subjects with the scientific method. His interest in the placebo and nocebo effects has driven his work in developing a laser acupuncture device as a tool with the potential to truly evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture. OSA representatives also spoke about the role publishing and scientific meetings can play in bringing PBM research and applications to a broader audience and to wider acceptance.
Photobiomodulation – What’s Next?
The final discussion defined many of the themes expressed throughout the Incubator: the need for large, well-funded clinical studies, for targeted applications, for organization, and, above all, for increased awareness throughout the medical community. The discussion also identified several paths forward to help achieve those goals and a plan to continue the dialog. Stay tuned for more coming from this community over the coming weeks, months and years.
Clinical Applications at Work - Sports Medicine Panelists Edward Ryan, Medical Consultant, USA Basketball; Brian Pryor, LiteCure, LLC; and Ernesto Leal Jr., Multi Radiance Medical
Small group discussion of next steps.
