Effect of High-Power Laser Therapy on Modified Total Neuropathy Score in Patients with Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Background: Peripheral neuropathy is a common problem among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) may have a significant negative impact on the Quality of Life (QOL) and treatment outcome. Studies showed that High Power Laser Therapy (HPLT) has an effect on peripheral neuropathy. Aim of Study: To investigate the effect of high-power laser therapy on modified total neuropathy score in patients with chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy. Patients and Methods: Thirty patients with CIPN, the patients were assigned randomly into two equal groups, study and control groups. The study group were received HPLT with routine medical treatment for 3 days/week for 6 weeks, the control group were received sham laser with routine medical treatment, CIPN was graded according to the modified Total Neuropathy Score (mTNS) to assess the severity of CIPN pre and post-treatment. Results: There was significant decrease of the mean values of mTNS only on the study group. After HPLT, there was a significant decrease in the mean of neuropathy from 11.6±.96 before HPLT therapy to 7.8±1.26 after HPLT (p < 0.0001). The mean difference was 3.26 and the percentage of change was 29.48 (p=0.0001). Conclusion: The results suggest that the use of HPLT has a significant effect on mTNS in patients with CIPN.