Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in People with Head and Neck Cancer Treated with Radiotherapy

Head and neck cancer is a group of malignant neoplasms that affect various anatomical structures of the region, including the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx and salivary glands. Radiotherapy is one of the main treatment modalities for these types of cancer, being effective in destroying cancer cells. However, one of the significant challenges associated with radiation therapy is collateral damage to surrounding healthy tissues, which can lead to debilitating side effects such as osteoradionecrosis, severe mucositis, and tissue fibrosis. In this context, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a complementary therapeutic option with the potential to mitigate these adverse effects.

Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

HBOT consists of the administration of pure oxygen at high pressures in a hyperbaric chamber, which significantly increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood plasma. This increase in tissue oxygenation may promote various benefits in patients treated with radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

1. Promotion of Tissue Healing: One of the main benefits of HBOT is its ability to improve the healing of tissues damaged by radiation. Hypoxia induced by radiotherapy can compromise the vascular and cellular integrity of tissues, making repair and regeneration difficult. HBOT increases oxygen availability, facilitating cell proliferation, angiogenesis and collagen synthesis, all processes crucial for healing.
2. Reduction of Osteoradionecrosis: Osteoradionecrosis is a severe complication of radiotherapy in which the irradiated bone undergoes necrosis due to vascular insufficiency. Studies have shown that HBOT can improve the viability of irradiated bone tissue by increasing oxygen delivery and stimulating neovascularization, thereby reducing the incidence and severity of osteoradionecrosis.
3. Relief of Mucositis and Improvement in Quality of Life: Mucositis is a painful inflammation of the oral mucosa, a common complication of radiotherapy that significantly affects the patient’s quality of life. HBOT may reduce the severity of mucositis by promoting epithelial repair and reducing inflammation. Additionally, by improving healing and reducing pain, HBOT contributes to a better quality of life for patients undergoing radiotherapy.
4. Prevention and Treatment of Fibrosis: Tissue fibrosis is another adverse effect of radiotherapy that can limit function and mobility in the head and neck region. HBOT can inhibit the progression of fibrosis by modulating the inflammatory response and improving tissue oxygenation, allowing for better function and mobility.

Clinical Evidence

Several studies have supported the benefits of HBOT in patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiotherapy. A meta-analysis of multiple clinical trials has shown a significant improvement in wound healing and a reduction in the incidence of complications such as osteoradionecrosis. However, it is important to note that the evidence is still mixed regarding the effectiveness of HBOT in all areas, and more studies are needed to establish standardized protocols and determine which patients would benefit most from this therapy.

Conclusion

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy presents a promising complementary option to improve outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiotherapy. By mitigating some of the most severe adverse effects of radiotherapy, such as osteoradionecrosis, severe mucositis and fibrosis, HBOT can not only improve the quality of life of these patients, but also facilitate a faster and more effective recovery. However, it is crucial to continue researching and refining this therapeutic modality to maximize its benefits and establish clear guidelines for its clinical use.