Radiotherapy of malignant tumors using low-intensity laser radiation as a radiosensitizer

Abstract

A new method of radiosensitization is offered using low- intensity laser radiation (LILR). Theoretic and methodological aspects involved as well as specially developed apparatus are discussed. Radiotherapy combined with LILR was approved in 78 patients with cutaneous and oropharyngeal tumors II-IV. Combined treatment with LILR as a radiosensitizing procedure and subsequent radiotherapy doesn't increase the degree of local reactions in response to radiation, and provide the reliable improvement of the therapy outcome: the total index of significant plus pronounced tumor regression, owing to the radiosensitization, trustworthy rises from 65.7 +/- 5.8% to 84.3 +/- 4.3% (t equals 2.58; p < 0.05), the three-year survival index--from 44.6 +/- 5.5% up to 60.3 +/- 5.5% (t equals 2.02; p < 0.05).