How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Can Help with Radiation Damage

Learn the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for radiation damage and delayed radiation injury

 

Radiation therapy is one of the most common and effective treatments for people fighting cancer. In fact, more than half of people with cancer receive radiation therapy at some point during their treatment. Unfortunately, while radiation can be lifesaving, it can also cause complications. [1]

The radiation used to kill cancer cells can also damage normal cells, tissues, and nearby blood vessels. Over time, these changes can reduce blood flow and oxygen to previously treated areas, making it harder for damaged tissue to heal. As a result, some cancer patients may experience delayed radiation injuries months or even years after treatment.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may be used as part of a treatment plan to help increase oxygen delivery to radiation-damaged tissue and support the body’s natural healing process.

Continue reading to learn how hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help support healing from radiation damage and delayed radiation injury.

 

What are the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for radiation damage?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been successfully used in the treatment of delayed radiation injury for over 30 years. 

During HBOT, patients breathe 100% oxygen in a pressurized hyperbaric chamber. This allows more oxygen to reach areas that have been damaged by radiation and where circulation may be limited.

The increased oxygen can help encourage new blood vessel formation, improve oxygen delivery to damaged tissue, and support the body’s natural infection-fighting and healing processes.

HBOT can also help to reduce swelling and support wound healing as part of a patient’s overall treatment plan.

Research has shown promising results for certain radiation-related complications. A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis of 556 patients with radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis found that nearly 90% experienced symptom improvement following HBOT. [2]

 

Learn more:
Visit the ‘Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Cancer’ section of our online Research Library.

 

How we administer hyperbaric oxygen therapy for radiation damage

At Hyperbaric Healing Treatment Center, we are honored to treat many patients who are suffering from the side effects of cancer treatment, including damage caused by radiation.

Because delayed radiation injury can affect both soft tissue and bone, each patient’s condition and treatment plan can look different. Our medical team evaluates each patient to determine whether HBOT may be an appropriate part of their care.

 

We treat patients with these delayed radiation injuries:

• Soft Tissue Radionecrosis (STRN)
• Radiation Cystitis
• Radiation Proctitis
• Radiation Enteritis
• Oral Cavity Delayed Soft Tissue Radiation Injury
• Laryngeal Necrosis
• Osteoradionecrosis
• and more.

 

Radiation cystitis is one example of a complication that can occur following radiation treatment. A 2024 national database study of more than 274,000 prostate cancer patients who received radiation therapy found that 2.8% were later diagnosed with radiation cystitis. [3]

Medicare recognizes hyperbaric oxygen therapy for osteoradionecrosis and soft tissue radionecrosis when used as an adjunct to conventional treatment and coverage requirements are met. Coverage through other insurance providers may vary depending on the patient’s diagnosis, medical necessity, and individual plan.

 

Related resource:
Does Insurance Cover Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treatments?

 

Want to learn more about hyperbaric oxygen therapy for radiation damage?

If you are experiencing lasting side effects after radiation treatment, including delayed radiation injury, you may have options to support your healing. At Hyperbaric Healing Treatment Center, our team works with patients experiencing radiation-related complications to determine whether HBOT may be an appropriate part of their care.

 

Ready to schedule an appointment? 
Call our office at (407) 530-0710 or get in touch on our Contact page.

 

1: American Cancer Society | Radiation Therapy
2: National Library of Medicine | Efficacy and Safety of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Radiation-Induced Hemorrhagic Cystitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
3: National Library of Medicine | Risk factors associated with the development of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) in Head and Neck cancer patients in Ireland: A 10-year retrospective review