Radiation Injury
Post-radiation injury occurs when the healthy tissue in the body is damaged by radiation therapy, which is often used to treat cancer. This damage can happen because the radiation, while targeting the cancer cells, also affects the normal cells around them. Radiation injuries often involve poor oxygen supply, blood vessel damage, inflammation, and tissue scarring.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) involves breathing pure oxygen through a mask in a pressurised chamber. It can be highly beneficial for patients with post-radiation injuries like radiation cystitis (bladder damage), radiation proctitis, osteoradionecrosis, and soft-tissue necrosis. HBOT enhances oxygen delivery, promotes new blood vessel growth, reduces inflammation, and supports tissue repair.
How HBOT Works for Post-Radiation Injury
HBOT helps treat post-radiation injuries through several key actions:
1. Increases Oxygen Supply:
Radiation damages blood vessels, leading to poor oxygen supply in tissues. HBOT increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, which helps the oxygen reach the damaged areas
2. New Blood Vessel Growth:
HBOT stimulates the body to grow new blood vessels, which helps to restore blood supply to tissues damaged by radiation.
3. Reduces Inflammation:
HBOT helps reduce inflammation, and lowers the levels of harmful proteins that contribute to this inflammation.
4. Collagen Production and Stem Cell Activation:
HBOT helps stimulate the body to produce collagen, which is essential for tissue repair. HBOT mobilises stem cells from the bone marrow, aiding in tissue repair and regeneration.
5. Fights Infection:
HBOT boosts the ability of white blood cells to fight off infections. The higher oxygen levels also make it harder for harmful bacteria to thrive, helping to prevent infections.
Benefits of HBOT for Post-Radiation Injury
HBOT offers several key benefits for treating post-radiation injuries:
Enhanced Wound Healing: HBOT can significantly improve the chances of complete wound healing, HBOT leads to better quality healing.
Pain Relief:
HBOT helps relieve the chronic pain associated with post-radiation injuries by reducing inflammation and promoting healing.Faster Healing Times:
HBOT speeds up the healing process, by helping get oxygen to the injury and helping the blood vessels grow and repair.Prevention of Infections:
HBOT’s antimicrobial effects help to prevent infections, and reduce the risk of long-term complications from infections.Improved Quality of Life: Successful HBOT treatment can lead to less pain and better mobility. By faster healing and reducing the risk of complications, patients that receive HBOT can optimise their recovery and have a better quality of life during their radiation treatment.
Clinical Evidence and Practical Considerations
Client Selection:
HBOT is typically recommended for radionecrosis and osteoradionecrosis that do not respond to standard treatments, however, increasingly it is being used earlier in treatment plans. Numerous studies have shown that HBOT improves outcomes for patients with radiation injuries, such as those affecting the head, neck, abdomen, pelvic region (e.g. bladder, anus, and rectum). It reduces pain and the risk of wound complications. HBOT is a promising additional treatment for radiation injury, especially in cases where there is infection or other underlying conditions. Please note that OxyGeneration does not provide diagnostic services and is a treatment provider only. We strongly encourage all clients to consult with their medical team as appropriate.Treatment Protocols:
Treatments usually last 60 to 90 minutes per session and are conducted daily over several weeks. Every individual is different and we recommend consulting with your medical team about incorporating HBOT into your care plan. To help determine how many sessions each individual will require, new clients can speak with OxyGeneration staff prior to commencing their Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy.Monitoring Progress:
Regular assessments are crucial to track healing progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary.
Client with Post-Radiation Damage:
“I have radiation burns from the radiation therapy I had for the last two years. Thankfully for the last fortnight it eased up and at one stage more or less ceased. My symptoms have stopped since starting to have sessions at OxyGeneration. It is a big relief as I have a few more issues to be solved but that was a big part of it.”
Denise Ryan, Post-Radiation Injury:
“I highly recommend OxyGeneration clinic.
Having gone through chemotherapy, I felt I needed something to help heal my body naturally. My experience has been amazing, the staff are all so knowledgeable and kind and make you feel so relaxed. For me, it was after 8 sessions before I noticed a difference. My hearing was damaged from chemotherapy and has now been fully restored. For me, this is life-changing. I’m no longer having to constantly ask people to repeat themselves. Then my menstrual cycle returned. I totally believe anyone with fertility issues would really benefit from hyperbaric oxygen.
The 3rd thing that I notice is my body no longer aches, which anyone who has been through chemotherapy understands that literally every part of your body aches. I’m 2 years out from chemotherapy so this is amazing that I’m no longer feeling so many aches and pains in my body.
This place is a must for anyone going through cancer treatment, it really will benefit you.”
Katie Joyce, Post-Radiation Injury:
“Since my brain tumour and cancer treatment, I had difficulties with my balance and eyesight. Abnormal blood vessels often leak at the back of my eyes and I would need treatment. Now that I have started hyperbaric oxygen therapy, I haven’t had any leaks in my eyes and have better balance. I am also continuing to attend oxygenation once a week to keep improving my health.”
Conclusion
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a promising treatment for post-radiation injuries. It enhances oxygen delivery, promotes healing, reduces inflammation, and boosts the immune system. It is a standard treatment for post-radiation injury and is effective in relieving pain and preventing complications. If you are suffering from post-radiation injuries, talk to your doctor about whether HBOT might be right for you.
For further information on the use of HBOT for radiation injury, please visit our resources page by clicking the link below.