Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026
Cytotoxic Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy in Osteosarcoma Cells In Vitro
Published on: March 18, 2014
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment of superficial soft tissue lesions in children with oncologic disease
Eleonora Cesca1, Giacomo Garetto, Emanuela Frascella
1Department of Pediatrics.
Insights
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HOT) is a safe and effective supportive treatment for superficial soft tissue lesions in pediatric cancer patients. Most children treated with HOT experienced positive outcomes, demonstrating its potential in oncology care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Hyperbaric Medicine
- Supportive Care
Background:
- Superficial soft tissue lesions are a common complication in pediatric cancer patients.
- Supportive therapies are crucial for managing treatment side effects and improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HOT) as an adjunctive treatment for superficial soft tissue lesions in pediatric oncology.
- To assess the safety and tolerability of HOT in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical records from 1996-2010.
- Inclusion of 12 pediatric patients (median age 7 years) with oncological diseases treated with HOT.
- Review of treatment outcomes, lesion response, compliance, and adverse events.
Main Results:
- Ten out of 12 patients achieved a cure.
- Effectiveness varied by lesion type; efficacy was less certain for patients with skin grafts and flaps at risk.
- Compliance was nearly 100%, with only one interruption due to local skin metastases.
- HOT was found to be safe and effective, even in immunocompromised or critically ill children.
Conclusions:
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a feasible, safe, and effective supportive treatment for superficial soft tissue lesions in pediatric cancer patients.
- HOT demonstrates significant potential in improving outcomes for this vulnerable population.
- Further research may be warranted to optimize HOT protocols for specific lesion types.
Abstract:
This study aimed to assess the feasibility and results of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HOT) as supportive treatment of lesions of superficial soft tissues in children with oncological diseases. This was a retrospective analysis and review of all records of children observed at the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Department of the University of Padova and treated adjuvantly with HOT. Between 1996 and 2010, 12 patients (5 males and 7 females, median age 7 years, range 0.5-16) underwent HOT. The effectiveness of HOT varied according to the lesion treated. Ten out of 12 patients were cured. Efficacy was most questionable in 2 patients with skin graft and flaps at risk. Compliance to therapy was close to 100%. In just one case, HOT was interrupted for the appearance of local skin metastases close to the site of primary tumor. HOT showed itself to be safe and effective in most patients even those immunocompromised or critically ill.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue, improving...
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...