Radiotherapy is a common and well-established treatment of suitable malignancies across a variety of anatomical areas. However, in the process of treating cancer with radiation, anatomical structures that surround the cancer are also irradiated.
Side effects of this therapy can be extremely toxic, especially when combined with chemotherapy.
Hyperbaric oxygen is among the most studied and frequently reported applications in the treatment of delayed radiation injuries.[1]
Informal surveys have shown that at most Australian hospitals, nearly one half of patients receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy are being treated for radiation injury.
- In 2015, it is estimated that the risk of an individual being diagnosed with cancer by their 85th birthday will be 1 in 2 (1 in 2 males and 1 in 3 females).[2]
- Nearly two-thirds of all cancer patients will receive radiation therapy during their illness.
- 5% of patients develop severe reactions to [radiation] treatment.
- About half of the patients at Australian hospitals are being treated by HBOT for damage to bone or soft tissue incurred during radiation therapy.[3]
Radionecrosis ranks among the most well-researched and common uses of hyperbaric oxygen therapy today. Medical science offers few other options for cancer patients who suffer delayed radiation injuries.
About half of Australia’s HBOT patients at are being treated by HBOT for damage to bone or soft tissue incurred during radiation therapy.
“The lack of access to accredited hyperbaric facilities and certified hyperbaric physicians and technicians is public health deficiency”.
[1] Delayed Radiation Injury, https://www.uhms.org/11-delayed-radiation-injury-soft-tissue-and-bony-necrosis.html
[2] All cancers in Australia https://canceraustralia.gov.au/affected-cancer/what-cancer/cancer-australia-statistics
[3] Source: ‘How effective is oxygen treatment?’ - Neroli Colvin, Sydney Morning Herald, May 24th 2013.