Exploring How HBOT Can Enhance Oncology Care

For someone facing a cancer diagnosis, oxygen may not immediately come to mind as part of supportive care. In fact, an initial concern was that increasing oxygen could somehow “feed” cancer. Research into hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT, challenges that misconception while opening new possibilities for supporting patients during and after cancer treatment and potentially offering proactive health strategies.

HBOT involves breathing supplemental oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. Increased atmospheric pressure allows significantly more oxygen to dissolve into the blood plasma, helping deliver oxygen throughout the body, including areas where circulation is compromised.

This is especially interesting because many tumors contain areas of hypoxia, or low oxygen. Rather than protecting against cancer, an oxygen-deprived environment can contribute to cellular stress, altered metabolism and abnormal blood vessel signaling. Hypoxia has been associated with more aggressive tumor behavior and resistance to conventional treatments.

By temporarily increasing oxygen availability, HBOT can help alter this microenvironment. Researchers have found improved tumor oxygenation can make certain cancer cells more vulnerable to radiation and some chemotherapy treatments. Research also confirmed that there is no evidence that HBOT promotes tumor growth or increased recurrence. HBOT has been shown to aid in post-surgical recovery.

An intriguing hypothesis is whether HBOT could also play a role before cancer develops. There is currently no widespread use of HBOT as cancer-prevention. However, HBOT has established effects on increased oxygenation, cellular signaling and enhanced immune system function.

One key example involves natural killer, or NK, cells, an important part of the body’s innate immune system that can recognize and destroy abnormal cells, including cells undergoing malignant transformation. A 2023 randomized study found that a single session of mild hyperbaric oxygen significantly increased circulating NK cells. While the study did not investigate cancer prevention specifically, this finding points to how HBOT can positively influence immune surveillance.

HBOT can also support recovery after cancer treatment or surgery. Radiation can damage healthy tissue and blood vessels months or even years later. Chemotherapy can sometimes impact nerve health and leave behind mild neuropathy and brain fog. Increased oxygen delivery can encourage new blood vessel development and support the body’s natural processes involved in tissue and nerve repair as well as wound healing from surgical incisions.

Whether HBOT is being explored proactively or incorporated into a broader recovery plan, consistency can be particularly important. During an acute phase, frequent sessions repeatedly increase tissue oxygenation and help build cumulative biological effects. Rather than simply pursuing higher chamber pressures, frequency and consistency are key aspects of a therapeutic strategy.

HBOT is not a replacement for screening, healthy lifestyle choices or conventional cancer treatments. Published data continues to position HBOT not only as a supportive therapy during cancer treatment and post-treatment recovery, but also as part of a proactive preventative framework to evaluate.

Anyone considering HBOT, including during or after cancer treatment, should consult with their treating physician to ensure it’s an appropriate option for their individual care plan.

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