Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy after adjuvant radiotherapy reduces fibrosis in breast cancer patients: JAMA

Written By : Jacinthlyn Sylvia |Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli Published On 2024-02-12T09:30:34+05:30 | Updated On 12 Feb 2024 4:11 PM IST

A recent randomized clinical trial published in the Journal of American Medical Association investigated the effectiveness of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in treating late local toxic effects experienced by women who underwent adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer. The trial from the UMBRELLA cohort study assess the impact of HBOT on pain, fibrosis, edema, movement restriction, and overall quality of life.

This trial was conducted in the Netherlands and involved a total of 189 women who were experiencing moderate to severe breast, chest wall, and/or shoulder pain, along with other symptoms, 12 months or more after breast irradiation. The participants were offered 30 to 40 HBOT sessions over 6 to 8 consecutive weeks. The pain levels were assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-BR23 questionnaire, while other symptoms assessed were the overall quality of life.

The trial found that while HBOT did not significantly reduce pain levels overall, it was effective in reducing fibrosis. Among women who completed HBOT, there was a significant reduction in both pain and fibrosis. Only 25% of women who were offered HBOT opted to undergo the treatment, with the main reason for refusal being mentioned as the high intensity of the therapy.

The outcomes suggest that while HBOT may not be universally effective in alleviating pain associated with late local toxic effects after breast irradiation, but, it shows promise in reducing fibrosis. The relatively low acceptance rate among participants indicates a need for further comprehensive investigation into the feasibility and acceptability of HBOT.

Reference:

Mink van der Molen, D. R., Batenburg, M. C. T., Maarse, W., van den Bongard, D. H. J. G., Doeksen, A., de Lange, M. Y., van der Pol, C. C., Evers, D. J., Lansdorp, C. A., van der Laan, J., van de Ven, P. M., van der Leij, F., & Verkooijen, H. M. (2024). Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Late Local Toxic Effects in Patients With Irradiated Breast Cancer. In JAMA Oncology. American Medical Association (AMA). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoncol.2023.6776

JAMA Oncologyhyperbaric oxygen therapyadjuvant radiotherapy

Source : JAMA Oncology

Jacinthlyn Sylvia

Neuroscience Masters graduate

Jacinthlyn Sylvia, a Neuroscience Master's graduate from Chennai has worked extensively in deciphering the neurobiology of cognition and motor control in aging. She also has spread-out exposure to Neurosurgery from her Bachelor’s. She is currently involved in active Neuro-Oncology research. She is an upcoming neuroscientist with a fiery passion for writing. Her news cover at Medical Dialogues feature recent discoveries and updates from the healthcare and biomedical research fields. She can be reached at editorial@medicaldialogues.in

Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Dr Kamal Kant Kohli-MBBS, DTCD- a chest specialist with more than 30 years of practice and a flair for writing clinical articles, Dr Kamal Kant Kohli joined Medical Dialogues as a Chief Editor of Medical News. Besides writing articles, as an editor, he proofreads and verifies all the medical content published on Medical Dialogues including those coming from journals, studies,medical conferences,guidelines etc. Email: drkohli@medicaldialogues.in. Contact no. 011-43720751