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Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy is a treatment where patients breathe 100% oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. This approach increases the oxygen concentration in the blood and tissues.
Enhanced Oxygenation of Tumors:
-Many tumors are hypoxic (low in oxygen), which can make them more resistant to radiation and some forms of chemotherapy. Enhanced oxygenation through HBO may help overcome this hypoxia.
Increased oxygen levels can lead to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may damage cancer cells and sensitize them to treatment.
Synergistic Effects with Radiation Therapy:
-Oxygen acts as a radiosensitizer. Radiation-induced DNA damage can be more effective in the presence of oxygen, potentially improving the efficacy of radiotherapy.
Some studies have explored combining HBO with radiotherapy to overcome radioresistance in hypoxic tumor regions.
Improved Delivery of Chemotherapeutic Agents:
-Elevated tissue oxygenation might enhance the delivery and efficacy of certain chemotherapeutic drugs, although this area is still under investigation.
Potential Immune Modulation:
-There is ongoing research into whether HBO can modulate the tumor microenvironment in a way that is more favorable for anti-tumor immune responses.
Possible problems:
-Implanted device (such as an insulin pump or pacemaker)
-Avoid with recent perforated ear drum
-Pneumothorax
-Wait for 4 wks after chemo?