Paolo Cassano1,2, Samuel R Petrie1, David Mischoulon1, Cristina Cusin1, Husam Katnani3, Albert Yeung1, Luis De Taboada4, Abigal Archibald1, Eric Bui2, Lee Baer1, Trina Chang1, Justin Chen1, Paola Pedrelli1, Lauren Fisher1, Amy Farabaugh1, Michael R Hamblin5,6,7, Jonathan E Alpert1, Maurizio Fava1, Dan V Iosifescu8. 1. Depression Clinical and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. 2. Center for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Disorders, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. 3. Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. 4. LiteCure LLC, Newark, Delaware. 5. Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. 6. Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. 7. Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts. 8. Adult Psychopharmacology Program, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.
Abstract
Objective: Our objective was to test the antidepressant effect of transcranial photobiomodulation (t-PBM) with near-infrared (NIR) light in subjects suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD). Background: t-PBM with NIR light is a new treatment for MDD. NIR light is absorbed by mitochondria; it boosts cerebral metabolism, promotes neuroplasticity, and modulates endogenous opioids, while decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress. Materials and methods: We conducted a double-blind, sham-controlled study on the safety and efficacy [change in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D17) total score at end-point] of adjunct t-PBM NIR [823 nm; continuous wave (CW); 28.7 × 2 cm2; 36.2 mW/cm2; up to 65.2 J/cm2; 20-30 min/session], delivered to dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, bilaterally and simultaneously, twice a week, for 8 weeks, in subjects with MDD. Baseline observation carried forward (BOCF), last observation carried forward (LOCF), and completers analyses were performed. Results: The effect size for the antidepressant effect of t-PBM, based on change in HAM-D17 total score at end-point, was 0.90, 0.75, and 1.5 (Cohen's d), respectively for BOCF (n = 21), LOCF (n = 19), and completers (n = 13). Further, t-PBM was fairly well tolerated, with no serious adverse events. Conclusions: t-PBM with NIR light demonstrated antidepressant properties with a medium to large effect size in patients with MDD. Replication is warranted, especially in consideration of the small sample size.
RCT Entities:
Objective: Our objective was to test the antidepressant effect of transcranial photobiomodulation (t-PBM) with near-infrared (NIR) light in subjects suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD). Background: t-PBM with NIR light is a new treatment for MDD. NIR light is absorbed by mitochondria; it boosts cerebral metabolism, promotes neuroplasticity, and modulates endogenous opioids, while decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress. Materials and methods: We conducted a double-blind, sham-controlled study on the safety and efficacy [change in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D17) total score at end-point] of adjunct t-PBM NIR [823 nm; continuous wave (CW); 28.7 × 2 cm2; 36.2 mW/cm2; up to 65.2 J/cm2; 20-30 min/session], delivered to dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, bilaterally and simultaneously, twice a week, for 8 weeks, in subjects with MDD. Baseline observation carried forward (BOCF), last observation carried forward (LOCF), and completers analyses were performed. Results: The effect size for the antidepressant effect of t-PBM, based on change in HAM-D17 total score at end-point, was 0.90, 0.75, and 1.5 (Cohen's d), respectively for BOCF (n = 21), LOCF (n = 19), and completers (n = 13). Further, t-PBM was fairly well tolerated, with no serious adverse events. Conclusions: t-PBM with NIR light demonstrated antidepressant properties with a medium to large effect size in patients with MDD. Replication is warranted, especially in consideration of the small sample size.
Authors: Marco Maiello; Olivia M Losiewicz; Eric Bui; Vincenza Spera; Michael R Hamblin; Luana Marques; Paolo Cassano Journal: Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg Date: 2019-10
Authors: Paolo Cassano; Christina Dording; Garrett Thomas; Simmie Foster; Albert Yeung; Mai Uchida; Michael R Hamblin; Eric Bui; Maurizio Fava; David Mischoulon; Dan V Iosifescu Journal: Lasers Surg Med Date: 2018-09-17 Impact factor: 4.025
Authors: Fredric Schiffer; William Reichmann; Edward Flynn; Michael R Hamblin; Hannah McCormack Journal: Front Psychiatry Date: 2020-08-19 Impact factor: 4.157