Role of laser therapy in enhancing chemotherapy efficiency in breast cancer: low level laser therapy, photochemotherapy, and photodynamic therapy as promising treatments

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent and biologically diverse malignancies in women worldwide, encompassing subtypes such as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), lobular carcinoma, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). These variants present complex therapeutic challenges. Chemotherapy remains a core treatment modality, particularly in aggressive or advanced stages, yet its systemic toxicity and lack of specificity limit its efficacy. In recent years, laser-based therapies have emerged as adjunctive strategies to enhance therapeutic precision. This review explores breast cancer classification, progression, and treatment, with an emphasis on chemotherapy, and critically examines the emerging role of laser technologies, including low-level laser therapy (LLLT), Photochemotherapy, and Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), as adjunctive or alternative therapeutic options. We highlight the potential of laser to modulate the tumor microenvironment, improve drug delivery, regulate mitochondrial function, and enhance apoptosis. PDT showed promise in activating localized cytotoxic effects while sparing surrounding tissues. However, heterogeneity in laser parameters and treatment protocols remains a significant barrier to clinical translation. This review underscores the translational potential of laser-assisted chemotherapy, identifies current gaps, and suggests future research directions for optimized treatment strategies in breast oncology.