What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials to evaluate whether HBOT helps patients with late radiation tissue injury (LRTI) affecting the bowel or bladder after cancer treatment.
What They Found
Three RCTs involving 273 patients were included. Two studies focused on rectal radiation damage and one on radiation cystitis (bladder). All three showed moderate certainty of benefit from HBOT for these conditions. Researchers assigned a weak recommendation for use, meaning the decision should be made on a case-by-case basis between patient and physician.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Thousands of Canadians who have received pelvic radiation for prostate, cervical, or colorectal cancer develop chronic bowel and bladder damage years later. HBOT is an OHIP-covered treatment in Ontario for both radiation cystitis and radiation proctitis (bowel). This review supports using HBOT for these conditions, and eligible Ontarians should be referred to an OHIP-funded hyperbaric centre.
Canadian Relevance
Radiation cystitis and radiation proctitis are both OHIP-covered HBOT indications in Ontario.
Study Limitations
Only 3 trials with 273 total patients were available, and the studies were too different in design to combine into a meta-analysis, limiting the strength of the conclusions.