Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on The Recovery of Late Radiation Tissue Injury.

This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in treating late radiation tissue injury (LRTI), a delayed complication of radiation therapy affecting 5% to 15% of patients. The review found that HBOT improves healing outcomes for various LRTI types—including osteoradionecrosis, soft tissue radiation necrosis, radiation cystitis, and radiation proctitis—by promoting angiogenesis and enhancing tissue oxygenation, leading to higher rates of mucosal coverage, bony continuity, and symptom resolution compared to conventional symptomatic treatments. While HBOT shows promise across multiple studies and patient populations, the authors emphasize the need for larger, more rigorous clinical trials to further establish its efficacy and optimize treatment protocols.