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Semin Thromb Hemost
DOI: 10.1055/a-2717-5157
Commentary

Red Light Therapy in Thrombosis and Hemostasis

Authors

  • Bingwen Eugene Fan

    1   Department of Haematology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
    2   Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Singapore
    3   Department of Laboratory Medicine, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore
    4   Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore

  • Leonardo Pasalic

    5   Sydney Centres for Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR), Research and Education Network (REN), Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia
    6   Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia

  • Yu Yue Hew

    1   Department of Haematology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore

  • Giuseppi Lippi

    7   Section of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy

  • Emmanuel J. Favaloro

    5   Sydney Centres for Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR), Research and Education Network (REN), Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia
    8   School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Wagga, Wagga, Australia
    9   School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
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Abstract

Red light therapy is emerging as a potential non-pharmacological modulator of thrombosis and hemostasis. Photobiomodulation with red, near-infrared (NIR), and far-infrared (FIR) wavelengths has been shown to influence nitric oxide release, endothelial function, platelet activation, and vascular tone. These effects align with the components of Virchow's triad (i.e., endothelial dysfunction, stasis, and hypercoagulability), and ameliorate thromboinflammation. Experimental data indicate that photobiomodulation may be effective to reduce platelet aggregation, von Willebrand factor activity, and improve microvascular perfusion. However, controversy remains regarding whether observed benefits reflect active red/NIR effects or simply the exclusion of pro-thrombotic blue light. Limitations in tissue penetration, protocol standardization, and translational modeling pose challenges for clinical implementation. Despite these uncertainties, red light therapy offers promise in high-risk patients where conventional anticoagulation is limited by bleeding risk. Future studies must define optimal dosing parameters, clarify mechanistic pathways, and evaluate efficacy in randomized clinical trials to establish its role in contemporary thrombosis management.

Keywords

photobiomodulation - low-level light therapy - thrombosis - hemostasis

Authors' Contributions

B.E.F.: conceptualized and wrote the first draft. All authors made substantial contributions to the conception and design of the manuscript, acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data, drafting the article, and revising it critically for important intellectual content. All authors approved the final submitted version.




Publication History

Received: 27 August 2025

Accepted: 06 October 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
08 October 2025

Article published online:
29 October 2025

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