Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
HBOT involves breathing 100% pure oxygen inside a pressurised chamber (1.5–3 atmospheres absolute), delivering oxygen to tissues at 10–15x normal atmospheric levels. Originally developed for decompression sickness, HBOT has extensive evidence for reducing radiation-induced tissue damage (osteoradionecrosis, soft tissue radiation injury) in cancer patients. Emerging evidence suggests HBOT sensitises hypoxic tumour cores to radiation/chemotherapy and may directly inhibit tumour growth.
Mechanism of Action
Under hyperbaric pressure, oxygen dissolves directly in plasma (not just haemoglobin-bound), achieving tissue oxygen concentrations 10–15x normal. Cancer cells in hypoxic tumour cores are radiation-resistant — HBOT re-oxygenates them, restoring radiation sensitivity. HBOT also activates stem cell mobilisation for tissue repair, reduces oedema, inhibits anaerobic bacteria, and may suppress HIF-1α (hypoxia-inducible factor that promotes tumour survival and metastasis).
Cancer Types Studied
Protocols & Dosing
Radiation Injury Repair
90–120 min at 2.0–2.4 ATA, 5 days/week for 20–40 sessions. Standard protocol for osteoradionecrosis, radiation cystitis, and soft tissue radiation necrosis — well-evidenced.
Cancer Sensitisation (Adjuvant)
60–90 min at 2.0–2.5 ATA within 4 hours before radiation therapy session. Aims to re-oxygenate hypoxic tumour regions. Requires HBOT facility co-located with radiation oncology.
Ketogenic + HBOT Combination
Ketogenic diet combined with HBOT — the 'Press-Pulse' strategy. KD reduces glucose to starve tumours, HBOT increases ROS selectively in tumour (which lack antioxidant enzymes). Studied by Dr Thomas Seyfried.
NIH / PubMed Research
Links open on PubMed (National Library of Medicine). Research is ongoing — results may not reflect clinical use.
Cautions & Contraindications
- Contraindicated with untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
- May promote growth of existing tumours in some models — discuss with oncologist
- Oxygen toxicity seizures possible at very high pressures — properly trained technicians required
- Avoid in ear/sinus conditions until cleared — barotrauma risk
- Claustrophobia in monoplace (single-person) chambers — multiplace chambers available
- Expensive — check insurance coverage; often covered for radiation injury indications
Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your oncologist before starting any alternative or integrative therapy.