Clinical Study Using Laser Therapy (Photobiomodulation) to Treat Chronic Kidney Disease

In 2016 we reported the results of a pilot study using Laser Therapy also known as Photobiomodulation and Red Light Therapy, to treat twelve canine and feline patients with Stage III and IV Chronic Kidney Disease. http://ASLMS-ePoster-Template-4 copy.pdf The results suggested significant benefit in the quality of life in most study participants. Since then we have directly been involved in the treatment of nearly 400 Chronic Kidney Disease patients (primarily cat and dog) as well as a handful of humans, who have used Red Light or Laser Therapy in a clinical setting. In the Fall of 2023 we launched a next phase study utilizing at home Red Light Therapy https://pbmdvm.com/2023/12/photobiomodulation-and-red-light-therapy-and-chronic-kidney-disease/ Recently we compiled an interim report.

Interim Summary:

1. Initially 29 patients were enrolled. To date 3 patients were removed by the cat owners who found their pets too uncooperative to treat. In addition 3 patients were euthanized due to co-morbidities independent of the chronic kidney disease (CKD). The remaining patients are actively receiving at home treatment with minimal difficulty. Several have found their pets “actually enjoy the treatment” after the phase in.
2. Most pet owners (15/23) report improvement in appetite and/or activity, and “feel that the Laser Therapy (Photobiomodulation) has made a positive difference”.
3. While biochemical parameters (Creatinine, BUN and Phosphorus) have decreased in a some patients (5/15 reported) they have remained stable or increased slightly (creatinine < or = 10% increase) in others (9/15) with one patient showing a moderate increase (10-25% in creatinine)
4. Updated biochemistries have been requested at three month intervals but participants have been irregular in their response.
5. Patients accepted in earlier stages of CKD (Late Stage II or early Stage III) seem to have more stable renal parameters than those in later stages.
6. Although all treatments are performed at home by pet owners, they have been encouraged to seek support from their primary care doctor if needed for correct placement locations. Most participants have found it unnecessary after receiving study materials from our team of researchers.
7. We are still early to draw definite conclusions yet recent analysis suggests benefit in utilizing Red Light Therapy in the treatment of Feline Chronic Kidney Disease.
   
   
   

Currently our plan is to continue the study until we have 12 month results from as many participants as possible. As this was a “rolling enrollment” group, our final compilation should be available in the Spring of 2025. All inquiries regarding this current study may be addressed to [email protected]