Treatment with Light-Emitting Diodes of Wavelength 863 nm Delays DMBA/TPA-Induced Skin Tumor Formation and Decreases Proinflammatory Cytokine Levels in ICR Mice

The study conducted on 55 ICR mice found that light therapy using a light-emitting diode (LED) array with a wavelength of 863 nm delayed DMBA/TPA-induced skin tumor development and reduced systemic inflammatory cytokines. Specifically, the final tumor incidences were 60% in the group treated with DMBA+TPA+863 nm LED and 80% in the group treated with DMBA+TPA. The average numbers of tumors per mouse were statistically lower in the group treated with the LED light. Additionally, the levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 were lower in the group treated with the LED light. However, the effects were small, suggesting further studies using different skin tumors and optimized LEDs are required. The study also suggests that combination therapies, using conventional methods and an LED array, may be beneficial.