What Researchers Did
This updated review summarized published literature on the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for delayed radiation injuries.
What They Found
The review noted that 5-10% of the over 300,000 long-term radiation survivors annually experience serious radiation complications. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has consistently shown positive results for treating these injuries, leading to UHMS approval and third-party reimbursement.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients experiencing delayed radiation injuries may benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a recognised treatment option. They should discuss this therapy with their healthcare providers to understand its availability and suitability within the Canadian healthcare system.
Canadian Relevance
This review primarily focuses on data and practices within the United States, therefore, direct Canadian relevance is not explicitly discussed.
Study Limitations
A significant limitation is that the summarized evidence primarily consists of lower-level studies like case series and case reports, with few randomised controlled trials.