Cancer
Over recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for cancer patients. This article explores the possible advantages of mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy, a relatively new and less intensive form of HBOT, in the field of oncology.
What is Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Before diving into the benefits, let's clarify what exactly mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy is. It involves exposing the body to oxygen at a pressure that is greater than what you would experience at sea level. Unlike traditional HBOT, which is performed at pressures between 1.5 and 3.0 atmospheres absolute (ATA), mild HBOT is conducted at lower pressures, typically 1.3 ATA [1].
Oxygen: A Potential Game-Changer in Cancer Therapy
Now, onto the benefits. To understand these, we first need to acknowledge the relationship between cancer cells and oxygen. Research has shown that many cancer cells thrive in low-oxygen (hypoxic) environments, and these hypoxic regions in tumors are often resistant to radiation and chemotherapy, making treatment difficult [2].
The delivery of oxygen to these hypoxic areas is therefore crucial, and this is where mild HBOT steps in. By breathing in oxygen under mild pressure, oxygen levels in the blood can be significantly increased, allowing it to better penetrate these resistant, hypoxic areas of tumors.
Enhancing the Efficacy of Traditional Cancer Treatments
There is emerging evidence that mild HBOT may improve the efficacy of traditional cancer treatments like radiation therapy and chemotherapy. By increasing oxygen levels in tumors, radiation therapy may be more effective, as oxygen is known to enhance the damage radiation causes to cancer cells [3]. Similarly, HBOT may help chemotherapy drugs work better by improving their delivery to the hypoxic regions of tumors [4].
Reducing Side Effects of Chemotherapy and Radiation
In addition to potentially enhancing the effectiveness of traditional treatments, mild HBOT may also help reduce some of their side effects. Studies suggest that HBOT can help alleviate radiation-induced damage to surrounding healthy tissues, reducing side effects like radiation cystitis and proctitis [5].
Improving Quality of Life
The potential benefits of mild HBOT extend beyond direct treatment of the cancer itself. By enhancing overall oxygenation, HBOT could improve fatigue, a common symptom among cancer patients. Additionally, there are indications that it may improve cognitive functions, sleep quality, and overall quality of life [6].
Conclusion
While more research is needed to fully understand and validate the benefits of mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy for cancer patients, the early signs are promising. This therapeutic approach could become a valuable adjunct to traditional cancer treatments, helping to enhance their effectiveness and alleviate some of their side effects.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any questions regarding your health or medical treatments.
References
Harch, P. G. (2004). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: a review of the evidence, uses and access (Second edition). Best Publishing Company.
Vaupel, P., & Harrison, L. (2004). Tumor hypoxia: causative factors, compensatory mechanisms, and cellular response. The Oncologist, 9 Suppl 5, 4-9.
Moen, I., & Stuhr, L. E. (2012). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and cancer--a review. Targeted Oncology, 7(4), 233-242.
Al-Waili, N., Butler, G. J., Beale, J., Hamilton, R. W., Lee, B. Y., & Lucas, P. (2005). Hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of patients with cerebral stroke, brain trauma, and neurologic disease. Advances in Therapy, 22(6), 659-678.
Clarke, R. E., Tenorio, L. M., Hussey, J. R., Toklu, A. S., Cone, D. L., Hinojosa, J. G., Desai, S. P., Dominguez Parra, L., Rodrigues, S. D., Long, R. J., Walker, M. B., & Kondziolka, D. S. (2008). Hyperbaric oxygen treatment of chronic refractory radiation proctitis: a randomized and controlled double-blind crossover trial with long-term follow-up. International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics, 72(1), 134-143.
Bennett, M. H., Feldmeier, J., Hampson, N., Smee, R., & Milross, C. (2016). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for late radiation tissue injury. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 4, CD005005.