Chemotherapy can cause painful mouth sores that make eating and drinking difficult. Researchers tested whether a new high-energy light device called Germinator could prevent these problems better than traditional red laser therapy. In a study of 60 cancer patients, both treatments worked equally well at reducing mouth pain and sores. While the new device showed promise, it didn’t outperform the older laser method. This suggests doctors now have multiple light-based options to help protect patients’ mouths during cancer treatment.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a new high-energy light device could better prevent painful mouth sores (called oral mucositis) that commonly develop in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy
  • Who participated: 60 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were randomly split into two equal groups of 30 people each. One group received treatment with a traditional red laser, while the other received treatment with the newer Germinator light device.
  • Key finding: Both light treatments prevented mouth pain and sores equally well. Pain scores and mouth sore severity were nearly identical between the two groups, with no meaningful statistical difference (p > 0.05).
  • What it means for you: If you’re undergoing chemotherapy, light-based treatments may help protect your mouth from painful sores. However, the newer Germinator device doesn’t appear to work better than established red laser therapy, so either option may be suitable depending on availability and your doctor’s recommendation.

The Research Details

This was a randomized controlled trial, which is considered one of the strongest types of medical research. Researchers took 60 cancer patients and randomly assigned them to two groups—like flipping a coin to decide who got which treatment. This random assignment helps ensure the groups were similar at the start, making it easier to tell if differences in results came from the treatment itself rather than other factors.

One group (30 patients) received treatment with a conventional low-intensity red laser, which has been used for years to help prevent mouth sores during chemotherapy. The other group (30 patients) received treatment with the newer Germinator device, which uses high-energy light. Before and after treatment, researchers measured two things: pain levels using a simple 0-10 scale (where 0 means no pain and 10 means the worst pain imaginable), and mouth sore severity using an official classification system from the World Health Organization that ranges from grade 0 (no sores) to grade 4 (unable to eat anything).

The researchers used statistical tests to compare the results between groups and determine whether any differences were real or just due to chance.

This research approach matters because mouth sores during chemotherapy are a real problem that affects quality of life and can make it harder for patients to eat and stay nourished. By comparing two light-based treatments head-to-head in a controlled way, researchers can determine which approaches actually work and whether newer technologies offer advantages over established methods. This helps doctors make informed decisions about which treatments to recommend.

This study has several strengths: it used random assignment to reduce bias, included a reasonable number of participants (60 total), and measured outcomes using standardized scales recognized by health organizations. However, the study is relatively small, and we don’t know details about how long patients were followed after treatment or whether results might differ in different patient populations. The fact that both treatments performed equally well is actually valuable information, even though it might seem like a ’negative’ result.

What the Results Show

Both treatment groups showed excellent results in preventing mouth pain and sores. The traditional red laser group had a median pain score of 0 (on a 0-10 scale), meaning most patients experienced no pain at all. The newer Germinator device group also had a median pain score of 0. When researchers compared these results statistically, they found no meaningful difference between the groups.

For mouth sore severity, results were similarly impressive for both treatments. The traditional laser group had a median score of 0 (no sores), and the Germinator group also had a median score of 0. Again, no statistically significant difference emerged between the two approaches. Both groups showed that most patients either developed no mouth sores or only very mild ones (grade 0-1 on the WHO scale).

These findings suggest that light-based preventive treatments—whether traditional red laser or the newer high-energy Germinator device—can be effective at protecting the mouth during chemotherapy. The fact that both worked equally well is important because it validates that multiple treatment options are available to patients and doctors.

The study didn’t report secondary outcomes like how long the protective effects lasted, whether patients needed additional treatments, or whether side effects differed between the two light devices. These details would have provided additional context for clinical decision-making.

Light-based therapies have been studied for preventing chemotherapy-related mouth sores for several years, with generally positive results. This study adds to that evidence by showing that a newer device (Germinator) performs at least as well as the established red laser approach. However, because the newer device didn’t outperform the older method, it doesn’t represent a major breakthrough—rather, it confirms that another light-based option is viable.

Several limitations should be considered: First, the study included only 60 patients, which is a relatively small sample size. Larger studies might reveal differences that weren’t apparent here. Second, we don’t know how long patients were followed after treatment or whether benefits lasted throughout their entire chemotherapy course. Third, the study doesn’t describe the specific cancer types, chemotherapy drugs used, or patient characteristics in detail, so results might not apply equally to all cancer patients. Fourth, there’s no information about cost, ease of use, or patient preference between the two devices. Finally, the study was published very recently (October 2025), so independent verification by other research teams hasn’t yet occurred.

The Bottom Line

For cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: Ask your oncology team whether light-based preventive treatments are available to you. Both traditional red laser therapy and the newer Germinator device appear effective at reducing mouth pain and sores based on this research. Work with your medical team to determine which option is most practical and accessible. These treatments appear most effective when used preventively (before sores develop) rather than after problems occur. Confidence level: Moderate—this is based on one study of moderate size; larger studies would increase confidence.

This research is most relevant to: cancer patients about to undergo chemotherapy who want to prevent mouth sores and pain; oncologists and cancer care teams deciding which preventive treatments to offer; dental professionals working with cancer patients. This research is less relevant to: patients not undergoing chemotherapy; people with other causes of mouth sores.

Based on this study, light treatments were applied before chemotherapy began, suggesting prevention is the goal rather than treatment of existing sores. Patients might expect to see benefits (fewer or less severe sores) throughout their chemotherapy course if treatments are started early and continued as recommended. Individual results will vary based on the specific chemotherapy drugs used and individual healing capacity.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If using a health app during chemotherapy, track daily mouth pain using a simple 0-10 scale and photograph any visible mouth sores weekly to monitor severity. Note which light treatment you received and when sessions occurred. This creates a personal record to share with your care team.
  • Work with your oncology team to schedule light therapy sessions before chemotherapy begins and maintain the recommended treatment schedule. Set app reminders for scheduled sessions. Additionally, maintain excellent oral hygiene (gentle brushing, salt water rinses) as these practices complement light-based prevention.
  • Use the app to log pain levels daily and mouth sore observations weekly throughout your chemotherapy course. Share this data with your oncology and dental teams at regular appointments. If you notice increasing pain or sore severity despite treatment, alert your care team promptly so they can adjust your prevention strategy.

This research summary is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Light-based treatments for chemotherapy-related mouth sores should only be used under the supervision of qualified healthcare providers. If you are undergoing or considering chemotherapy, discuss all preventive and treatment options with your oncology team. Individual results vary based on cancer type, chemotherapy drugs, overall health, and other factors. This study was published in October 2025 and represents current research; always consult your healthcare provider for the most up-to-date treatment recommendations.