Cancer poses major health challenge worldwide. Radiotherapy, common treatment for various cancers, leads to long-term survival for approximately 50% of patients. However, some of these survivors may develop late radiation tissue injury (LRTI), which can emerge months or even years after treatment.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has received FDA approval for treating these delayed radiation injuries. It is believed that HBOT may not only aid in tissue recovery but also prevent complications after surgical procedures. Let’s discuss this further.
What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy is treatment modality for cancer that employs radiation beams to eradicate cancer cells and diminish tumor size.
Recent advancements have improved duration and precision of radiation therapy sessions, enhancing accuracy with which radiation is delivered to targeted tissues. These improvements have helped to reduce damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
These technological advances are minimizing complications and widening scope of radiation therapy for various health conditions. Nonetheless, despite these advancements, healthy tissues near tumor can still be adversely affected, potentially leading to new symptoms. Post-radiation injury remains common issue.
It is essential to recognize:
- Radionecrosis refers to the death of healthy tissues resulting from prior radiation therapy.
- Late radiation injury (also known as latent or delayed) might not be immediately identified by physicians because symptoms can emerge months to years following the initial treatment.
For instance, patients who undergo radiation therapy for prostate cancer may develop significant health problems years later, such as painful urination, blood in their urine, incontinence, rectal pain, or painful bowel movements. These symptoms might not appear immediately after treatment, making it difficult for patients to link them to past radiation therapy received months or years earlier.
The damage to tissues is primarily due to what is termed “the Fibroatrophic effect,” which involves the depletion of stem cells, the development of fibrosis, and an increase in inflammatory cytokines. If untreated, tissues damaged by radiation may continue to deteriorate over time. Effectively healing this damage necessitates safe and efficacious medical interventions.
Different Types of Radiation Injuries
Radiation Cystitis or Proctitis (Bladder or Prostate Cancer)
Some patients experience frequent urination, pain, burning, or bleeding.
Tissue Damage After Mastectomy
Women who undergo surgical reconstruction following mastectomy and radiation are at higher risk for complications due to poor blood circulation in treated area. Some may develop non-healing sores on their chest from previous radiation therapy.
Head and Neck Cancer Surgery
Radiation can harm salivary glands and decrease blood flow, leading to sores, multiple cavities, or jaw fractures, along with other muscle or skin problems. It might also cause difficulties in swallowing or neck movement.
Bowel Issues and Radiation
Symptoms like diarrhea, urgency, incontinence, and rectal bleeding are common.
Radiation for Brain Cancer
Individuals treated with radiation for brain cancer might observe changes in personality, memory, and language skills.
Radiation Damage – Long-Term Effects
Persistent wound or rash, especially in area that received radiation
- Dry cough or pain in lungs
- Trouble with eating and swallowing
- Pain during urination, frequent urges, or blood in urine
- Frequent, urgent, loose, or bloody bowel movements
- Ongoing, intense pain in breast
- Infections or breakdown of skin, vaginal, or mouth tissues
If more than six months have passed since your last radiation treatment and you’re still feeling its effects, you might be eligible for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Treat Radiation Damage with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
About one-third of hyperbaric oxygen therapy users in U.S. use it to treat delayed effects of radiation therapy. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy dates back to 1600s and gained recognition for its medical benefits in early 19th century. Since then, this technology has helped many patients overcome health issues, including those caused by radiation.
FDA recognizes hyperbaric oxygen therapy for several medical conditions, most of which are typically covered by insurance. It is specifically approved for treating delayed radiation tissue injuries. Many patients have seen improvements in oxygenation of damaged tissues after radiation, thanks to hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Learn more about how hyperbaric oxygen therapy works from here.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy – Glimpse of How it Works
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) significantly increases amount of oxygen delivered to body, providing 10 to 14 times usual amount to damaged tissues.
This surge in oxygen enhances healing by supplying necessary nutrients and promoting various healing processes. It can reduce inflammation, change gene expression, and enhance white blood cell function. It also stimulates production of new blood vessels and release of stem cells, aiding in recovery from delayed radiation injuries.
A randomized, controlled study found that HBOT effectively relieved symptoms of radiation-induced cystitis and was safe and well-tolerated. Treatments require medical-grade hyperbaric chamber and specific protocols, typically at pressures between 2.0 to 2.4 ATA.
While time-intensive, patients are generally recommended to undergo HBOT five days a week, needing at least 40 sessions to see results. However, total number of sessions may vary based on patient’s symptoms and initial response, with noticeable improvements often occurring after 12 to 15 treatments.
Start your Healing Journey with Lakeshore Hyperbaric Center Today!
If you’re dealing with long-term effects from radiation, consider discussing addition of HBO therapy to your treatment plan with your doctor. At Lakeshore Hyperbaric Center, we respect your resilience in facing radiation challenges. We’re here to support your journey back to wellness with HBO therapy.
