Is oxygen good or bad for cancer?
In response to that question, some non-scientific groups claim hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a “cure” for cancer. While this may sound hopeful, it may give patients and families the wrong impression. There is no strong scientific evidence that hyperbaric oxygen cures cancer.
To help separate fact from fiction, so people with cancer don’t face false hope or delay proven treatments, this article examines:
- What does a hyperbaric chamber do?
- Does oxygen kill cancer cells?
- Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy for cancer a proven treatment?
If you or a loved one is concerned about possible signs or symptoms of cancer and would like an initial appointment or a second opinion, call us 24/7 at 877-460-4673.
What does a hyperbaric chamber do?
A hyperbaric chamber is a special room or space where a person breathes pure oxygen while air pressure is increased to levels higher than normal.
This enables the lungs to inhale more oxygen than usual. The extra oxygen is carried through the bloodstream, which may help the body fight certain infections, heal wounds and recuperate from some medical conditions.
Approved uses
While hyperbaric oxygen therapy is most known for helping scuba divers recover from rapid pressure changes, it’s also an approved treatment for certain health problems, like carbon monoxide poisoning, serious infections and hard-to-heal wounds.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved HBOT for the following conditions:
- Air and gas bubbles in blood vessels
- Anemia (severe, when blood transfusions can’t be used)
- Burns (severe and large)
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Crush injury
- Decompression sickness (diving risk)
- Gas gangrene
- Hearing loss (sudden, with no known cause)
- Infection of the skin and bone (severe)
- Radiation injury
- Skin graft or flap at risk of tissue death
- Vision loss (sudden and painless in one eye)
- Wounds (non-healing, such as diabetic foot ulcers)
Scientists continue to study HBOT as a treatment for other conditions.
Does oxygen kill cancer cells?
Michael Zgoda, M.D., MBA, CPE, an interventional pulmonologist and Medical Director of Outpatient Operations at City of Hope® Cancer Center Phoenix, says, “Breathing extra oxygen in a hyperbaric chamber doesn’t kill cancer cells on its own, but it can increase the amount of oxygen inside the cancer cells.”
This matters because cancer cells with more oxygen may respond better to treatments like radiation and certain chemotherapy drugs.
“In this way, hyperbaric oxygen works as a sensitizer, meaning it may make these treatments more effective,” says Dr. Zgoda.
Researchers continue to study whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy truly improves outcomes for patients.
Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy for cancer a proven treatment?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not a cure for cancer. Though some clinics make that claim, scientific reviews and major health agencies like the FDA don’t support it.
HBOT, however, may help with some problems caused by cancer or its treatment—such as osteoradionecrosis, which occurs when radiation damages blood vessels within the bone. Additionally, it’s often used before and after surgery to help with healing and reduce side effects.
A recent randomized trial found benefit for people with painful, long-term breast cancer radiation side effects. Scientists are also investigating whether giving extra oxygen may make some cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy or drugs, work better by reducing low-oxygen areas inside tumors.
Speak with your oncologist or care team if you have questions about whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy may help in your situation along with any potential risks and benefits.
If you or a loved one is concerned about possible signs or symptoms of cancer and would like an initial appointment or a second opinion, call us 24/7 at 877-460-4673.