What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted randomised clinical trials over 12 years to compare survival rates of 505 patients with carcinoma of the bronchus, bladder, or cervix treated with megavoltage radiotherapy in hyperbaric oxygen versus air.
What They Found
Conventional daily radiotherapy with hyperbaric oxygen (HPO) did not improve survival for 280 patients with carcinoma of the bronchus or 163 with carcinoma of the bladder. However, when six fractions of 600 rad were given in HPO, some improved survival was observed in carcinoma of the bronchus and for 62 patients with carcinoma of the cervix.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients undergoing radiotherapy for certain cancers might potentially benefit from hyperbaric oxygen if specific large-fraction protocols are used. This approach could offer an alternative or adjunct treatment strategy, particularly for carcinoma of the bronchus and cervix.
Canadian Relevance
This study was conducted in Portsmouth, UK, and does not have a direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The study's findings are limited by its age, the abandonment of the bladder trial, and the use of a retrospective series for comparison in one arm.