What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for late radiation-induced tissue toxicity (LRITT) in women treated for gynaecological cancers.
What They Found
Out of 21 included articles, one study on proctitis and three out of four studies on cystitis reported improved symptoms with HBOT in women with gynaecological malignancies. All studies showed improvement in wound complications, and 50% reported better Patient Reported Outcome Measurements (PROMS), with nine out of eleven studies reporting significant p-values.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian women experiencing late radiation-induced tissue toxicity after gynaecological cancer treatment, particularly for symptoms like proctitis, cystitis, or wound complications, may find hyperbaric oxygen therapy beneficial. This therapy could offer a practical option to alleviate persistent side effects and improve their quality of life.
Canadian Relevance
This systematic review did not include any studies specifically conducted in Canada or with Canadian patients.</p
Study Limitations
A key limitation was that only eleven of the included studies reported p-values, indicating a potential lack of consistent statistical rigor across the evidence base.