Cancer care is evolving.  Beyond conventional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, many patients are actively exploring ways to support their recovery, resilience, and quality of life.

One therapy gaining increasing attention in this space is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) - not as a replacement for any other care, but as a patient-led, adjunctive strategy that may support healing and recovery alongside standard or alternative treatment.

Understanding HBOT in the Context of Cancer

HBOT involves breathing increased concentration of oxygen under increased atmospheric pressure, significantly increasing the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood and delivered to cells.  

This matters in cancer care because many tumours - and especially the tissues affected by treatment - exist in low oxygen (hypoxic) environments.  Hypoxia is associated with poorer healing, increased treatment resistance, and reduced tissue recovery.

Research suggests HBOT may help address this by:

• Enhancing tissue oxygenation

• Supporting angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation)

• Reducing inflammation and oedema

• Promoting collagen synthesis and wound repair

(Hyperbaric oxygen as an adjunctive therapy in treatment of malignancies, including brain tumours; Stepien et al, 2016)

A Shift Toward Patient-Led care

More cancer patients are taking an active role in their treatment journey - seeking therapies that:

• Improve recovery between traditional treatments

• Reduce long-term side effects of traditional treatments

• As part of an 'alternative' approach to cancer care

• Support overall wellbeing

HBOT fits naturally into this model.  It is often used by patient choice, however the oncology team will require notification as HBOT may alter the potency of some chemotherapy drugs. In the traditional treatment model, HBOT is increasingly used in evidence-supported contexts:

1. Radiation-Induced Tissue Injury

One of the most established uses of HBOT in cancer care is for late radiation tissue damage.  A systemic review in gynaecological cancer patients found HBOT can improve symptoms of radiation-induced injury, including pain and tissue breakdown.  (Hyperbaric oxygen treatment for late radiation-induced tissue toxicity in treated gynaecological cancer patients: a systemic review; Geldof et al, 2022)

HBOT is widely used clinically for conditions like osteoradionecrosis, where it supports tissue healing after radiation.  (Efficacy of Adjunctive Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Osteoradionecrosis; Jenwitheesuk et at, 2018)

2. Surgical Recovery and Wound Healing

Cancer-related surgeries often involve complex healing challenges.  HBOT has been shown to improve wound healing and tissue repair, particularly in compromised or irradiated tissues.  (Efficacy of Adjuctive Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Osteoradionecrosis; Jenwitheesuk et al. 2018)

Experimental data also suggests improved healing in surgical models when HBOT is used post-operatively.  (Meta-analysis on the effect of hyperbaric oxygen as adjunctive therapy in the outcome of anastomotic healing of experimental colorectal resections in rats; Brouwer et al, 2018)

3. Enhancing Conventional Therapies (Emerging area)

There is growing interest in HBOT's ability to enhance the effectiveness of certain treatments.  Increased oxygen levels may improve the response to radiation and some chemotherapies.  HBOT may increase cytotoxic (cell-killing) effects of certain drugs.  (Hyperbaric oxygen as an adjunctive therapy in treatment of malignancies, including brain tumours;  Stepien et al, 2016)

Safety: A Common Concern

One of the biggest historical concerns has been whether HBOT could stimulate tumour growth.  Encouragingly, more recent data suggests otherwise.  A 2024 safety evaluation found no association between HBOT and increased cancer recurrence, metastasis, or mortality.  (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Managing Cancer Treatment Complications:  A Safetly Evaluation; Demir et al, 2024)

This supports the growing view that HBOT can be safely used as an adjunct therapy.

A Personalised, Integrative Approach

HBOT is not a cure for cancer - but it may support the body metabolically through cancer.  It may be effective as part of a broader, individualised strategy.  In this context, HBOT becomes a tool for resilience and recovery, rather than a standalone solution.

As research continues to evolve, one thing is clear:  The future of cancer care is not just about treating disease - it's about supporting the whole person.

-Samantha Winters