Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as an Alternative Therapeutic Option for Radiation-Induced Necrosis Following Radiotherapy...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Oncology
• Radiology

Background:

• Radiotherapy (RT) is a common treatment for intracranial pathologies.
• Radiation necrosis (RN) is a frequent late complication of RT.
• Corticosteroids are the primary treatment for RN, but alternatives are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for radiation necrosis (RN).
• To provide physicians with data to guide treatment decisions for RN.
• To review the current literature on HBOT utilization in RN.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
• 11 studies involving 46 patients who underwent HBOT for RN were included.

Main Results:

• Most patients had brain tumors or arteriovenous malformations.
• Improvement was observed in the majority of cases treated with HBOT.
• HBOT demonstrated promising results in improving clinical and radiological outcomes.

Conclusions:

• HBOT is a feasible and effective noninvasive therapeutic option for RN.
• HBOT acts through angiogenesis, anti-inflammatory modulation, and cellular repair.
• HBOT is well-tolerated with mild, reversible side effects, particularly in steroid-refractory RN.