What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a prospective pilot study to evaluate how low-pressure hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) at 1.45 ATA affected the quality of life for 48 patients with severe late radiation toxicity, administering 40 daily sessions of 60 minutes each.
What They Found
Out of 48 patients, 37 (77%) completed the 40 prescribed HBOT sessions. The most common symptoms treated were pain (65%) and bleeding (54%). Quality of life scores, measured by the EORTC-QLQ-C30, improved in all areas except cognitive function by the end of treatment and during a mean follow-up of 22.1 months.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
This study suggests that HBOT at 1.45 ATA could be a feasible and well-tolerated treatment option for Canadian patients experiencing severe late radiation side effects. It indicates potential improvements in physical function and daily activities, offering a new approach to manage chronic symptoms resulting from radiation therapy.
Canadian Relevance
This study covers a Health Canada-recognised indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, specifically delayed radiation injury.
Study Limitations
The findings of this pilot study are limited by its relatively small sample size and the absence of a control group for comparison.