Case series on photobiomodulation in wound care: hard-to-heal leg ulcers and radiation-induced fibrosis

Photobiomodulation (PBM) uses red and near-infrared light to stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation and provide analgesia. This case series presents four patients receiving adjunctive PBM for hard-to-heal wounds across community nursing and radiotherapy late-effects settings. Cases 1 and 2 involved patients with hard-to-heal leg ulcers and significant comorbidity; both received biweekly PBM over 6 weeks, with progressive reductions in wound area and pain, and complete closure in case 2 at 8 weeks. Cases 3 and 4 involved radiation-induced fibrosis with non-healing ulceration following chemoradiotherapy, managed with biweekly PBM then monthly maintenance; both demonstrated sustained pain reduction and quality-of-life improvement over 19-month follow-up, including full pain resolution and return to employment in case 4. PBM was well tolerated with no adverse effects and integrated readily into existing care pathways. These cases support PBM as a practical adjunct across complex wound presentations.