How hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help treat radiation-induced cystitis

A gentle and effective option for relief and healing after cancer treatment     

 

Radiation therapy can be a powerful tool in the fight against cancer, but for some, it may come with long-term side effects. One lesser-known but serious complication is radiation-induced cystitis, also known as radiation cystitis, which is a condition that affects the bladder after pelvic radiation treatment. 

Anywhere between 23% and 80% of people who receive radiation in the pelvic area develop this condition. [1] It can impact daily comfort and quality of life, but there’s hope—hyperbaric oxygen therapy has shown real promise in reducing symptoms and restoring function. 

Continue reading to learn how HBOT can help patients dealing with radiation-induced cystitis post-treatment.

 

What is radiation-induced cystitis?

Radiation cystitis is inflammation that occurs in your urinary bladder after radiation therapy to treat cancer in your pelvic area. This may include:

• Bladder cancer
• Colorectal (colon) cancer 
• Prostate cancer
• Uterine cancer
• Ovarian cancer [1]

 

The high-energy radiation used to kill cancer cells can also harm nearby healthy tissues, including the bladder lining. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include: 

• Frequent or urgent urination
• Pain or burning during urination
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Urinary incontinence
• In rare cases, tissue damage or bladder shrinkage

 

For some patients, these symptoms develop weeks after treatment. For others, they can appear months or even years later. The good news? HBOT offers a non-invasive treatment option to support recovery and reduce discomfort.

 

Related resource:
The benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for cancer treatment relief

How HBOT can help 

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing 100% oxygen in a specially designed pressurized chamber. This increases the amount of oxygen your blood can carry, encouraging healing in damaged or oxygen-deprived tissues, like those affected by radiation.

When used to treat radiation-induced cystitis, HBOT can:

• Reduce inflammation in the bladder wall
• Stimulate the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis)
• Restore blood flow to damaged tissues
• Help maintain bladder function and reduce the risk of infection

 

Real relief for real patients

For many, HBOT has been a life-changing experience. Prostate cancer survivor John Boardman shared:

“I had brachytherapy in October 2020 & within six months started having intermittent hematuria… by the third week [of HBOT], my hematuria stopped and has not returned. The radiation proctitis that had caused issues with my lower colon resolved completely! I only wished my doctors had told me about this treatment years ago.” [2]

 

What the research shows

Several clinical studies support the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for radiation-induced cystitis. A 2016 study in the Journal of Urology found significant symptom relief and improved quality of life for patients undergoing HBOT. Another 2014 study in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology echoed similar results, reporting better bladder function and reduced discomfort. [2] 

More recently, an extensive analysis from the Multicenter Registry for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Consortium showed improvements in:

• Hematuria
• Urinary function
• Overall quality of life [3]

 

Even a slight increase in quality of life, as measured by patient-reported scales, made a meaningful difference. However, factors such as smoking history and the type of cancer treated may influence how well patients respond to HBOT.

 

Learn more:
How hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help with radiation damage

 

A safe, non-invasive solution

While there are other treatment options for radiation-induced cystitis—including medications or invasive procedures—HBOT stands out as a safe, gentle therapy that works with the body’s natural healing process. For patients who’ve already been through the physical and emotional toll of cancer treatment, HBOT provides an opportunity to reclaim comfort and peace of mind.

 

How can we help

At Hyperbaric Healing Treatment Center, we’re proud to support cancer patients and survivors facing side effects from radiation and surgery. Our experienced, compassionate team is here to help you find meaningful relief through personalized HBOT care. We work directly with Medicare and many insurance providers, so you can focus on healing while we handle the paperwork.

 

Want to learn more about hyperbaric oxygen therapy and cancer treatment relief?
Please visit our research library to view Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Cancer studies.

 

Contact us today to learn how HBOT can help you or your loved one.

 

1: Cleveland Clinic
2: The Journal of Urology | American Urological Association
3: European Medical Journal