Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: can it prevent irradiation-induced necrosis?

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Oncology
• Radiotherapy

Background:

• Cranial radiosurgery is a non-invasive treatment for tumors and vascular malformations.
• Irradiation can damage healthy brain tissue, leading to neurological side effects.
• These side effects are poorly understood and difficult to treat, often linked to inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review irradiation-induced neurological side effects.
• To examine methods for minimizing or resolving these side effects.
• To discuss the potential of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to prevent side effects.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on radiosurgery, neurological side effects, and HBOT.
• Analysis of the proposed mechanisms of HBOT in mitigating irradiation damage.
• Examination of the timing of HBOT administration in relation to symptom onset.

Main Results:

• Radiosurgery success rates are high, but 5% of patients experience neurological issues, likely due to inflammation.
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has shown promise in reducing the incidence and severity of existing side effects.
• HBOT may reduce inflammation, promote angiogenesis, and influence cellular functions.

Conclusions:

• Brain inflammation is hypothesized to be causally related to neurological side effects post-irradiation.
• Current treatments for side effects are reactive; proactive intervention is desirable.
• Further investigation into early HBOT administration is warranted to prevent or reduce neurological side effects.