Red and near-infrared light and cancer risk: what a systematic review found
Short answer
This systematic review examined whether red and near-infrared light for skin rejuvenation could encourage cancer. In lab studies the light mainly helped healthy cells grow and reduced or did not affect cancer cells; no clinical trial linked it to new or recurrent cancer. The author concludes it is oncologically safe within established parameters.
- Study
- Glass GE. Aesthet Surg J. 2023;43(5):NP357-NP371.
- Design
- Systematic review
- People
- Clinical and preclinical studies
- Topic
- Oncologic safety
Why it matters
A common question from people with a cancer history is whether light devices are safe for them. This review addresses it.
What they did
- Reviewed safety data from clinical trials of photobiomodulation for skin rejuvenation.
- Added lab data from human skin and cancer cells and animal tumour models.
What they found
- Healthy cells mainly proliferated; cancer cells mainly showed reduced or unchanged growth.
- No dysplastic change in healthy cells.
- No clinical trial linked the treatment with new or recurrent cancer.
What it cannot tell you
- Animal tumour models gave mixed results.
- The author is LYMA’s scientific lead, according to LYMA’s website.
- Absence of evidence in trials is not proof of absence; trials were not designed to detect rare cancers.
Takeaway
Current evidence does not suggest red or near-infrared light raises cancer risk, but anyone with a cancer history should still ask their doctor.
Matching devices
Devices whose published technology match this study: CurrentBody Series 3, Dr. Dennis Gross FaceWare Pro, Dr. Renú SpectraLift, LYMA Laser, LYMA Laser PRO, Omnilux Contour and Shark CryoGlow. None of them was the device tested unless the study names it.
Not medical advice. Summary based on the published abstract; read the full paper for detail.