Hyperbaric oxygen for the treatment of radiation cystitis and proctitis
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Updated: Sep 30, 2026

Proton Therapy Delivery and Its Clinical Application in Select Solid Tumor Malignancies
Published on: February 6, 2019
1Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, 622 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA. rde5@columbia.edu
Abstract:
Chronic radiation cystitis and radiation proctitis are known complications of the use of radiotherapy in the treatment of pelvic malignancies. These complications are, in part, due to endothelial damage and decreased vascularity and oxygenation to pelvic tissues. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be able to improve oxygenation and induce angiogenesis in damaged organs, resulting in recovery from radiation injury. Several studies have shown significant rates of response to hyperbaric oxygen treatment, however, no randomized trial exists to definitively demonstrate its effectiveness for cystitis and proctitis. In addition, concerns exist regarding the durability of the beneficial effect.
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