Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBOT) for Cancer Recovery

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a treatment in which a person breathes 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized hyperbaric chamber. This environment increases the amount of dissolved oxygen in the blood, accelerating healing and supporting recovery in conditions where oxygen delivery to tissues is reduced or compromised.

HBOT is a supportive therapy. It does not treat cancer and is not a substitute for standard cancer treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or immunotherapy. Your oncologist will advise whether it is right for you.

HBOT increases oxygen saturation in blood plasma, enhances tissue repair through angiogenesis and collagen synthesis, and reduces inflammation—particularly beneficial for post-radiation tissue injury.

Under high pressure, HBOT delivers therapeutic benefits through multiple mechanisms:

• Increases oxygen saturation: More oxygen dissolves in plasma, improving delivery to tissues with limited blood supply
• Promotes cell repair: Stimulates angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, and stem cell activity
• Decreases inflammation: Reduces oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines, minimizing pain and swelling
• Enhances healing: Particularly beneficial for cancer survivors with post-radiation tissue injury

HBOT is FDA-approved or clinically accepted for several conditions:

• Chronic non-healing diabetic wounds
• Radiation tissue damage (osteoradionecrosis, radiation cystitis, proctitis)
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Gas gangrene and necrotizing soft tissue infections
• Air or gas embolism
• Skin grafts and flaps at risk of failure
• Severe anemia and tissue crush injuries

HBOT enhances oxygen delivery to tissues deprived of adequate blood flow or damaged by:

• Non-healing and diabetic wounds
• Radiation-induced soft tissue or bone injury (post-cancer radiation therapy)
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Soft tissue repair and post-surgical healing

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy promotes healing by delivering highly concentrated oxygen through several clinical pathways:

• Improves tissue oxygenation and cellular metabolism
• Enhances wound healing and post-radiation recovery
• Reduces inflammation and infection risk
• Stimulates new blood vessel (angiogenesis) formation
• Strengthens immune function and accelerates tissue repair
• Reduces fatigue and increases overall energy, especially for cancer survivors

While HBOT is generally safe when performed by trained professionals, some temporary effects may occur:

Common side effects:

• Ear discomfort or middle ear barotrauma due to pressure changes
• Temporary myopia (nearsightedness)
• Mild fatigue or lightheadedness after sessions

Rare complications include oxygen toxicity or lung barotrauma if procedure isn't properly managed. Risks are minimized through slow pressurization, rigorous monitoring, and adherence to safety protocols.

HBOT may be contraindicated for individuals with:

• Untreated pneumothorax
• Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Certain active ear or sinus infections
• Uncontrolled fever or recent ear surgery

The success of HBOT depends on the underlying condition and number of sessions prescribed. Most patients report:

• Faster wound healing
• Reduced swelling and improved tissue oxygenation
• Better recovery from radiation-induced tissue damage
• Enhanced energy levels and reduced discomfort

The strongest evidence is for late radiation tissue injury, such as radiation cystitis and osteoradionecrosis (see Sources below).

HBOT pricing can vary depending on:

• Number of sessions required (typically 10–40)
• Condition being treated and individual response to therapy
• Type of chamber used (monoplace vs. multiplace)
• Session duration and oxygen concentration
• Facility infrastructure and level of medical monitoring

1. Indications for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society.
2. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for late radiation tissue injury. Bennett MH, Feldmeier J, Hampson NB, et al. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2016.
3. Radiation-induced cystitis treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (RICH-ART): a randomised, controlled, phase 2–3 trial. Oscarsson N, Müller B, Rosén A, et al. The Lancet Oncology, 2019.