What Researchers Did
Dutch researchers retrospectively analyzed 19 patients with late radiation tissue injury of the vagina, occurring after pelvic radiation for cervical and other cancers, who received an average of 40 HBOT sessions (80 minutes at 2.5 ATA).
What They Found
15 of 19 patients (79%) responded to HBOT, with a median of 3 symptoms improving per patient. Symptoms most responsive were ulceration (89% improved), dyspareunia or painful sex (82%), pain (71%), and anatomical changes like stenosis and fibrosis (80%). Responses were maintained at 3-month follow-up in 14 of 15 responders, and no major adverse events occurred.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian women experiencing ongoing vaginal pain, dryness, bleeding, or scarring years after pelvic radiation for cervical or uterine cancer, HBOT offers a realistic chance of meaningful symptom improvement. These gains represent significant quality-of-life benefits for a condition that is often undertreated or not discussed with oncologists.
Canadian Relevance
OHIP covers HBOT for radiation proctitis and radiation cystitis in Ontario. Vaginal late radiation injury shares the same mechanism as these covered conditions, and patients should ask their gynecologic oncologist whether coverage may apply.
Study Limitations
This retrospective study of 19 patients had no control group, and symptom improvement was partly based on patient self-report, which introduces potential bias.