What Researchers Did
A researcher reviewed published literature on using HBOT as an add-on treatment for glioma (primary brain tumours) and brain metastases, focusing on its combination with radiation therapy.
What They Found
HBOT can reduce tumour hypoxia and increase radiosensitivity, potentially improving survival when combined with radiotherapy for glioma. For brain metastases, combining HBOT with stereotactic radiosurgery appears both safe and beneficial, offering protection against radiation-induced brain injury and supporting neurological and motor function recovery. Adverse reaction rates for HBOT were described as relatively low.
Canadian Relevance
Radiation-induced brain injury may qualify as delayed radiation injury, which is an OHIP-covered indication for HBOT in Ontario.
Study Limitations
This is a narrative literature review without formal systematic search methodology or risk-of-bias assessment, so evidence quality cannot be formally rated.