What Researchers Did
Researchers analyzed crowdfunding campaigns on platforms like GoFundMe to identify how much money was being raised for treatments that are scientifically unsupported or potentially dangerous, including HBOT for unapproved conditions.
What They Found
The study found substantial crowdfunding activity for treatments including HBOT used outside of evidence-based indications, homeopathic cancer remedies, and antibiotic therapy for chronic Lyme disease. HBOT was listed alongside these as an example of crowdfunded unsubstantiated therapy.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
This study identified HBOT funding campaigns in aggregate and does not specify which HBOT applications were targeted; the framing lumps legitimate evidence-based uses with unproven ones without distinguishing them.