The Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Cancer Supportive Care
Helping you understand “what it can do and how it fits”
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves placing the patient in a chamber with 2–3 atmospheres of pure oxygen, dramatically increasing oxygen levels in blood and tissues.
In cancer care, it is not a primary treatment for the tumour itself but serves as a valuable supportive therapy to alleviate side effects, improve quality of life, and in some cases enhance treatment effectiveness.
How HBOT commonly supports cancer treatment
- Improves radiation-induced damage: post-radiotherapy oral mucositis, neck fibrosis, osteoradionecrosis (ORN), or bladder radiation cystitis — HBOT promotes new blood vessel growth and tissue repair
- Reduces chemotherapy side effects: better tissue oxygenation helps lessen fatigue, neurotoxicity, and delayed wound healing
- Enhances sensitivity to chemo/radiotherapy: tumour cells in low-oxygen environments are more resistant; HBOT improves the tumour microenvironment, making drugs or radiation more effective
- Relieves cancer-related fatigue and brain fog: increased oxygen supply to the brain and body accelerates mental and physical recovery
- Supports wound healing: post-surgical infections, fistulae, or chronic ulcers heal faster with accelerated granulation tissue formation
Which cancer patients may particularly benefit from considering HBOT?
- Head and neck cancer patients with severe oral or neck mucositis/fibrosis after radiotherapy
- Pelvic cancer patients with chronic bladder or rectal bleeding post-radiotherapy
- Breast cancer or sarcoma patients with delayed surgical wound healing
- Chemotherapy patients with extreme fatigue affecting daily life
- Cases where the tumour microenvironment is chronically hypoxic and the physician believes HBOT may improve response
How HBOT sessions are typically arranged (always determined by the specialist physician)
- Each session lasts 90–120 minutes at 2–2.5 ATA
- A standard course ranges from 10–40 sessions depending on symptom severity
- Sessions can be scheduled during radiotherapy gaps, between chemotherapy cycles, or during postoperative recovery
- Blood oxygen, blood pressure, and ear pressure are monitored before and after to ensure complete safety
Summary
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not the “main weapon” against cancer —
it is an extra layer of “oxygen protection” for patients undergoing active treatment.
It reduces side effects a little, speeds recovery a little, and strengthens treatment tolerance a little.
When oxygen supply is abundant, the body’s repair capacity and resilience quietly improve.
If you are struggling with post-radiotherapy mucositis, slow wound healing, extreme fatigue, or hypoxic tumour microenvironment,
please feel welcome to contact us at any time.
Our medical team will review your treatment stage and latest assessments, and your specialist physician will determine whether HBOT is suitable for you, making your recovery more comfortable and effective.
You deserve to have more oxygen and strength on your side while fighting cancer.
Disclaimer：
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, nor should it replace professional medical advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified healthcare provider or integrative oncology specialist before making any changes to their diet, treatment plan, or lifestyle based on the content herein. Therapies and tests mentioned, including immune or integrative treatments, should always be…
All product names, test references, and therapy mentions are for informational context only and do not constitute endorsement. Results and experiences may vary among individuals.