What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed existing studies on using hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) alongside radiotherapy for cancer patients.
What They Found
This systematic review of 42 studies covering 2,785 patients found that HBOT was mainly used to manage tissue damage caused by radiotherapy, with a median of 34.5 sessions at 2.45 ATA. For hemorrhagic cystitis (bladder bleeding) in the pelvic region, which accounted for the largest patient group, HBOT showed response rates of 67-100%. In breast and head-neck cancer, retrospective reports showed improved quality of life and toxicity profiles, but randomized trials did not show consistent benefit. Evidence for preventing brain tissue damage after radiation was limited, and a possible role in making gliomas more sensitive to radiation was described as speculative. HBOT was generally safe, with mild side effects such as barotrauma and temporary nearsightedness.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadians treated with radiotherapy for pelvic cancers who develop hemorrhagic cystitis, this review found high response rates for HBOT, though the authors note the overall evidence is heterogeneous and often based on small, low-quality studies. For breast and head-neck cancer patients, benefits seen in retrospective reports were not confirmed in randomized trials, so the picture there is mixed. The abstract describes any radiosensitizing effect in gliomas as speculative, not established.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
The authors note that most included studies were retrospective with only 5 randomized controlled trials, and the overall evidence is heterogeneous and of low quality, meaning well-designed prospective trials are still needed to clarify patient selection and optimal HBOT parameters.