Radiotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for brain malignancies and is associated with significant neurotoxicity. Due to continuous increase in patient’s survival, the long term risk for radiation-induced brain inflammation and necrosis inducing secondary cognitive impairments are increasing concerns. Currently there is no effective treatment for preventing long term radiation-induced brain damage.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the administration of high oxygen concentrations within a pressurized chamber to increase the cellular delivery of oxygen. Oxygen stimulation by HBOT has become the definitive therapy for radiation-induced damage to soft tissues and bone due to its ability to stimulate healing processes by supplying the energy and oxygen needed while down-regulating genes involved in inflammation. Oxygen stimulation by HBOT is currently indicated for patients with overt radiation-induced neurotoxicity and was proven to reduce further development of radiation damage while stimulating “idling” neurons to return to function.
HBOT is already FDA approved for delayed soft tissue radionecrosis. There are studies indicating that HBOT application following radiation, before the manifestation of neurological side effects, may also help avert development of early/delayed onset radiation-induced neurotoxicity.
