Evaluating quality of life improvements in radiation cystitis and head and neck cancer patients following hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Abstract

e24043 Background: Radiation therapy remains a critical modality in the treatment of various cancers, but it often leads to adverse effects in surrounding tissues and organs. These side effects may manifest months after treatment and commonly involve the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and urinary system, resulting in inflammation, fibrosis, and pain. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO2) is a treatment option that has shown potential in mitigating these side effects by promoting angiogenesis, reducing inflammation, and decreasing fibrosis. This retrospective study evaluates the impact of HBO2 treatments on the quality of life (QoL) in patients with radiation-induced tissue damage. Methods: We analyzed the quality of life in 40 patients who received HBO2 for radiation-induced injuries, including radiation cystitis (n = 22), head and neck radiation injury (n = 13), and other radiation-related complications (n = 5). Two validated surveys were used: the Rand Corporation's SF-36 and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-H&N35). Statistical analysis focused on changes in QoL domains. Results: In the analysis of SF-36 data, patients with radiation cystitis experienced an improvement in the pain domain (Mean difference [MD] = 58.4 ± 14.9, 95% CI). No other significant improvements were observed in the SF-36 data. In the EORTC QLQ-H&N35 data, patients with head and neck radiation injury experienced an overall QoL improvement (MD = 12.9 ± 8.6, 95% CI) post-HBO2 treatment. Conclusions: HBO2 treatment demonstrated a benefit in reducing pain for patients with radiation cystitis and improving overall QoL in those with head and neck radiation injuries. Despite limitations, including a small sample size and incomplete survey data, the findings suggest that HBO2 can be a valuable intervention for patients suffering from chronic effects of radiation therapy, particularly in head and neck injury cases.