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Hyperbaric oxygen: does it promote growth or recurrence of malignancy?
J Feldmeier1, U Carl, K Hartmann
1Radiation Oncology Department, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, OH, USA.
Summary
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a concern for cancer growth, but studies show it has a neutral or negative effect on malignant tumors. Therefore, a history of cancer should not prevent HBOT treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Hyperbaric Medicine
- Wound Healing
Background:
- Concerns exist that hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy, used to promote wound healing, might also stimulate malignant tumor growth and angiogenesis.
- Early reports in 1966 suggested a link between HBO2 radiosensitization and increased metastases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on the effects of HBO2 on cancer growth and angiogenesis.
- To evaluate the potential risks and benefits of HBO2 in patients with a history of malignancy.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of published literature, including clinical reports, animal studies, and cell culture studies.
- Comparison of angiogenesis processes in wound healing versus cancer.
- Discussion of postulated carcinogenic mechanisms.
Main Results:
- In vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies indicate a neutral or potentially negative impact of HBO2 on tumor growth and malignant progression.
- While angiogenesis shares similarities in wounds and tumors, key differences exist, suggesting HBO2 may not promote tumor angiogenesis.
- Hypoxic tumors are more aggressive and lethal; HBO2 may counteract this by improving oxygenation.
Conclusions:
- Published data provides little evidence that HBO2 enhances malignant growth or metastases.
- A history of malignancy should not be a contraindication for HBO2 therapy.