Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Cancer?
I wish I could give a clear answer to whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy cures cancer. What I can give is an honest, well informed answer.
The truth is that cancer is a complex problem and the effect that HBOT has on cancer is also complex. At this time we don’t have all the answers. There are some things that we do know and that is what I’m going to share with you.
This is a great video from my colleague, Dr. Saunders. I thought he did a great job covering a lot of the topics for hyperbaric oxygen therapy and cancer.
The video discusses the potential role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in cancer treatment. HBOT is not a cure for cancer, but scientists are researching it as part of cancer treatment.
The first part is about using HBOT to help with chemotherapy and radiation. Research shows it can reduce side effects and help tissues heal. The second part looks at how combining certain chemotherapies with HBOT can make chemotherapy stronger. This raises the question of whether we can use less chemotherapy while still being effective.
Finally, the video explores the use of HBOT in cancer treatment by focusing on how it affects cancer cell metabolism. This involves shifting cellular metabolism, potentially helping kill dysfunctional cancer cells.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Cancer | Prevention
Here is a topic that is much more straight forward. Here is what we know. Cancer thrives in areas with poor oxygen levels. Tumors are “hypoxic”, which means there is no O2 in them. HBOT HYPER-oxygenates the body.
In simple terms, hypoxia (low oxygen levels) is a major issue in tumors and can promote cancer growth. HBOT is a treatment that boosts oxygen levels in the blood. It helps with conditions caused by low oxygen levels and delivers more oxygen to tissues. Some worried that HBOT might actually help cancer grow or come back in patients treated for cancer.
However, recent studies and reviews have found that using HBO in patients with cancer is safe. In fact, there’s no evidence showing that HBO stimulates tumor growth or increases the risk of cancer coming back. Some studies suggest HBO may help certain cancers, but more research is needed to understand how it affects tumor oxygen levels.
Is it safe to use Hyperbaric Oxygen safe for Chemo Patients?
The short answer is yes! What we are learning is that HBOT is synergistic with some chemotherapy. It seems that hyperbaric oxygen helps the chemo work better thus requiring less chemo.
HBOT helps the body heal from chemo damage by reducing inflammation, promoting new blood vessel growth, and increasing oxygen supply.
Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy OK to do with Radiation Treatment?
Radiation helps eliminate cancer by burning and killing the cancer cells. The obvious problem is that the radiation also hurts the good guys. This is where HBOT can be a lifesaver! The amount of healing stimulated by the oxygen HBOT is truly amazing.
HBOT can help increase collagen production, which is necessary for tissue repair. This may contribute to the healing of radiation-induced wounds and damaged tissues.
Stimulation of Fibroblasts: Fibroblasts are cells involved in wound healing and tissue repair. Some studies suggest that HBOT may stimulate fibroblast activity, which could aid in the regeneration of damaged tissues.
Reduction of Hypoxia: Radiation can induce hypoxia (low oxygen levels) in tissues, which can impede the healing process. HBOT, by increasing oxygen availability, may help alleviate hypoxia and promote healing.
Radiation during head and neck cancer treatment can cause osteoradionecrosis, which damages and kills bone tissue. Preventing this condition is important. Researchers have investigated HBOT as a preventive measure to reduce the incidence of osteoradionecrosis in these cases.
Hyperbaric Oxygen for Types of Cancer
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a common cancer in women. Recent studies show that HBOT treatment could be a promising therapy. In laboratory tests, HBOT showed a strong ability to slow down the growth of breast cancer cells.
Animal studies using relevant HBOT treatments also demonstrated significant inhibition of breast tumor growth. In a study, researchers discovered that tumor growth decreased by approximately 16% following HBO treatment. On the other hand, untreated tumors experienced an almost 100% increase in volume. al).
Colorectal Cancer
Lifestyle and aging often link colorectal cancer, which originates from cells lining the colon or rectum. While surgery can be effective in early stages, advanced cases may require additional treatments.
Studies on combining HBOT with other therapies for colorectal cancer have shown positive outcomes. For instance, a clinical study combining HBOT with radiotherapy demonstrated favorable results.
A different study looked at how hyperoxia and photodynamic therapy affect colon cancer. A separate study examined the impact of hyperoxia and photodynamic therapy on colon cancer.
The study discovered that hyperoxia alone did not increase cell death. However, older studies revealed that combining hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) with photodynamic therapy improved its effectiveness.
Research conducted on live colon tumor models demonstrated that HBOT alone did not promote tumor growth. Additionally, researchers found that HBOT could safely combine with other treatments. HBOT can reduce the spread of cancer and slow down tumor growth in colorectal cancer patients when used with certain treatments.
Furthermore, studies have also investigated the potential benefits of combining HBOT with chemotherapy for colorectal cancer patients. A study on animals found that adding HBOT to chemotherapy improved tumor shrinkage and increased survival rates. This suggests that HBOT may have a synergistic effect when used in conjunction with chemotherapy, potentially improving the overall treatment outcomes for patients.
In addition to its potential in combination with other therapies, HBOT has also been found to alleviate certain side effects associated with colorectal cancer treatment. For example, radiation therapy often leads to tissue damage and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, causing symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. However, studies have shown that HBOT can help reduce these side effects by promoting tissue healing and reducing inflammation.
Moreover, HBOT has been found to enhance the body’s immune response, which is crucial in fighting cancer cells. By increasing the oxygen levels in the body, HBOT can improve the function of immune cells, such as natural killer cells and T-cells, that play a vital role in recognizing and destroying cancer cells. This immune-boosting effect of HBOT may further contribute to its potential as a supportive treatment for colorectal cancer.
It is important to note that while the results of these studies are promising, further research is still needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of HBOT in colorectal cancer treatment. Additionally, the optimal timing, dosage, and duration of HBOT in combination with other therapies need to be determined to maximize its effectiveness.
In conclusion, the combination of HBOT with other therapies, such as radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, chemotherapy, and its potential to alleviate side effects and enhance the immune response, make it a promising supportive treatment option for colorectal cancer. With continued research and clinical trials, HBOT may play a significant role in improving the outcomes and quality of life for colorectal cancer patients in the future.
Similar articles: HBOT for Crohn’s, HBOT for Stomach Ulcers, HBOT for Ulcerative Colitis
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When provided by qualified doctors and staff in a reputable clinic, HBOT can be extremely beneficial for those with and recovering from cancer. Our clinic, located in Phoenix, AZ, is qualified and equipped to handle patients with maximum comfort. In addition to HBOT in Phoenix, we also have Red Light Therapy, Massage Therapy, Functional Medicine, and options for subscriptions or packages with HBOT & Red Light.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The duration of the effects of HBOT can vary based on the individual’s condition and the specific goals of the therapy. In some cases, the effects of HBOT may be immediate and short-lived, while in other cases, multiple sessions of HBOT may be required to achieve longer-lasting benefits.
How often should you do hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
The frequency of HBOT sessions can vary depending on the individual’s condition, treatment goals, and the recommendation of a healthcare professional. Typically, HBOT is administered as a series of sessions. It ranges from a few to several sessions over a specified period.
How quickly does hyperbaric oxygen therapy work?
The speed at which HBOT works can vary depending on the individual’s condition and the specific goals of the therapy. Some individuals may experience immediate improvements or relief of symptoms after a few sessions of HBOT, while others may require multiple sessions over a longer period of time to see noticeable effects. The timeframe for experiencing the benefits of HBOT can be different for each person, and it is best to consult with a healthcare professional experienced in HBOT to get a better understanding of the expected timeline.
How can I find an HBOT chamber near me?
We are located in Phoenix, Arizona, but if you live far away I recommend reading my article on finding the right clinic for you.
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