On-Label Applications of HBOT for Late Effects of Radiation

Restore Health Post-Radiation & Enhance Patient Care

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has long been recognized for its efficacy in treating various medical conditions, particularly non-healing wounds and severe infections. However, its applications in mitigating the late effects of radiation therapy are gaining increased attention. In this blog we dive into the on-label uses of HBOT in this context, providing a comprehensive overview for physicians and hospital executives considering integrating this therapy into their oncology care services.

Understanding Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

HBOT involves breathing pure, medical grade, oxygen in a pressurized room or chamber. This process increases the amount of oxygen your blood can carry, which can promote healing and fight infection. The therapy leverages the physiological effects of increased oxygen availability to enhance tissue repair and regeneration, which is crucial in treating radiation-induced injuries.

On-Label Uses of HBOT for Late Effects of Radiation

Radiation therapy, while effective in destroying cancer cells, can cause significant damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This damage can manifest months or even years after treatment, leading to conditions such as radiation cystitis, proctitis, enteritis, and osteoradionecrosis. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) & UHMS has approved HBOT for the treatment of these specific radiation-induced injuries.

1. Osteoradionecrosis (ORN): HBOT is highly effective in treating osteoradionecrosis of the jaw, a severe complication of radiation therapy in head and neck cancer patients. By enhancing oxygen delivery to the affected bone, HBOT promotes angiogenesis, reduces inflammation, and accelerates the healing process.
2. Radiation Tissue Injury Post-Mastectomy: Post-mastectomy patients who have received radiation therapy may experience significant tissue injury, affecting skin, muscle, and other tissues. HBOT helps in reducing inflammation, promoting tissue repair, and enhancing overall healing, thus improving the outcomes and quality of life for these patients.
3. Radiation Cystitis and Proctitis: Chronic radiation cystitis and proctitis, often seen in patients who have undergone pelvic radiation, can cause debilitating symptoms. HBOT has been shown to alleviate these symptoms by improving mucosal repair and reducing fibrosis.
4. Soft Tissue Radionecrosis (STRN): STRN refers to the death of soft tissues due to radiation exposure, which can lead to severe pain, ulcers, and functional impairment. HBOT can significantly improve the condition by increasing oxygen delivery to the affected tissues, stimulating neovascularization, and facilitating the healing process.
5. Compromised Skin Grafts and Flaps: Patients undergoing reconstructive surgery post-radiation therapy may face challenges with skin grafts and flaps due to compromised blood supply. HBOT enhances graft and flap survival by promoting angiogenesis and ensuring an adequate oxygen supply, thus improving the success rates of these surgical interventions.
6. Chronic Radiation Tissue Injury (CRTI): CRTI encompasses a range of long-term complications from radiation therapy, including damage to the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and deeper structures. HBOT has been effective in managing CRTI by reducing chronic inflammation, stimulating collagen synthesis, and improving overall tissue health.

By addressing these radiation-induced injuries, HBOT not only mitigates the side effects of cancer treatment but also significantly enhances the patient's recovery process and quality of life. Integrating HBOT into oncology care protocols can thus be a game-changer for healthcare providers, offering a valuable addition to their treatment arsenal.

For healthcare facilities looking to expand their service lines, integrating HBOT can provide a significant competitive edge, improving patient outcomes and satisfaction. As the leading provider of hyperbaric management and wound care solutions, CutisCare is committed to helping healthcare providers implement and optimize HBOT services, ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care.

For more information on how CutisCare can assist your facility in integrating HBOT into your oncology care services, contact us today.