Hyperbaric oxygen therapy program - Applications in oncology
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy – Applications in Oncology
Management of complications after radiotherapy:
Osteoradionecrosis
-Mechanism: HBOT promotes angiogenesis and fibroblast activation by increasing tissue oxygenation
-Clinical practice in Hong Kong: The common plan is 2.4 hours, 90 minutes each time, 30-40 treatments
–Research by the University of Hong Kong shows that with surgical debridement, the efficiency is 75-85%
–Especially suitable for radioactive necrosis of the mandible
Radiation-induced cystitis/proctitis
-Therapeutic effect: reduce hematuria and pain symptoms, promote mucosal repair
–The Prince of Wales Hospital report shows that 60% of patients have significantly improved their symptoms
Soft tissue radiation necrosis
–Suitable for radioactive damage to the breasts, head and neck and other areas
–Need to be combined with wound care and antibiotics
The relationship between hyperbaric oxygen and tumor biology
Effects of tumor hypoxia:
-Upregulation of hypoxia inducing factor (HIF-1a) promotes tumor invasion and metastasis
– Cause resistance to radiation therapy and certain chemotherapy drugs
Potential effects of HBOT on tumors：
–May promote tumor growth (by improving tumor microenvironment oxygenation)
–Active malignant tumors are not absolute contraindications, but need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis
–When it is recommended for the treatment of radioactive damage, it is necessary to confirm the presence of an inactive tumor
▲Application of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in cancer supportive care
Improve chemotherapy-related side effects：
–Treatment of tissue damage caused by certain chemotherapy drugs (such as pleomycin pulmonary toxicity)
–Hong Kong oncology doctors report that it can reduce the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy
Postoperative wound healing：
–Especially suitable for postoperative surgery in areas that have received radiation therapy
–Can reduce the risk of flap necrosis
Improved quality of life:
-Relieve cancer-related fatigue (small-scale studies have shown potential benefits)
–Improve cognitive function (for chemotherapy brain phenomenon)
Special considerations for hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Hong Kong
Positioning in the medical system：
–Public hospitals: mainly deal with emergencies and radioactive injuries
–Private institutions: provide a wider range of indications, including adjuvant cancer treatment
Expenses and insurance coverage：
–Public hospitals: patients who meet the indications can receive government subsidies
– Private institutions: approximately HKD2,000-5,000 per treatment
–Some high-end medical insurance plans cover specific indications
Safety specification：
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Hong Kong strictly follows international standards：
-Safety guidelines issued by the Hong Kong Department of Health
–Regular equipment inspection and maintenance
–Medical staff need to complete international certification training
Research and innovation：
Ongoing research in major medical centers in Hong Kong：
–The effect of HBOT on the quality of life after radiation for head and neck cancer (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)
–Evaluation of the efficacy of new treatment options on radioactive enteritis (University of Hong Kong)
-Exploration of the synergy between HBOT and immunotherapy (Private research institute)
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FAQ
Q: Does hyperbaric oxygen therapy promote the growth of cancer cells?
A: Current clinical experience in Hong Kong shows that the standard treatment for radiation-induced injury has not been observed to promote tumor growth, but a comprehensive evaluation is required before treatment.
Q: Is the treatment process uncomfortable?
A: Most patients only feel a slight pressure in their ears (similar to an airplane taking off or landing), and medical staff will guide them on pressure adjustment techniques.
Q: When is HBOT not suitable for cancer patients?
A: Active central nervous system metastases, uncontrolled pneumothorax, and the use of certain chemotherapy drugs (such as cisplatin) require careful evaluation.