Hyperbaric oxygen and radiation therapy: a review.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiotherapy
• Hyperbaric Medicine

Background:

• Severe late-onset toxicity affects approximately 5% of cancer patients post-radiotherapy.
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a recognized treatment for radiation injuries, supported by historical case studies.
• Tumor hypoxia correlates with radioresistance, suggesting oxygenation could improve radiotherapy outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing literature on the efficacy of HBOT in managing radiation-induced toxicity and enhancing radiotherapy.
• To evaluate the mechanisms by which HBOT influences tissue oxygenation and treatment response.

Main Methods:

• Bibliographic review of published studies on hyperbaric oxygen therapy and radiotherapy.
• Analysis of evidence grading for HBOT's effects on radiation injuries and tumor control.

Main Results:

• Grade B and C evidence indicates HBOT at >2 atmospheres absolute (ata) reduces late toxicity in head and neck, bone, prostate, and bladder.
• HBOT appears to prevent osteoradionecrosis following dental extraction in irradiated sites.
• HBOT at 2 ata demonstrated increased radiotherapy effectiveness for head and neck tumors and promising local control for high-grade gliomas.

Conclusions:

• HBOT is effective in mitigating late-onset radiation toxicity across multiple anatomical sites.
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy shows potential as an adjunct to radiotherapy, enhancing treatment efficacy and tumor control.
• Further research into HBOT's role in oncology is warranted.