Document Type

Poster

Associated Faculty

Dr. Valerie Herbert

Sponsoring Academic Department

School of Nursing

Publication Date

2024

Abstract/ Summary

Cancer, secondary to cardiovascular disease, is the leading cause of death worldwide (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.). Radiation is a standard cancer therapy, however it can cause fibrosis of blood vessels, the breakdown of soft tissue, and subsequently lead to necrosis. When caring for cancer patients, it is imperative to consider the lasting effects interventions pose on their long-term health. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a healing treatment consisting of administering 100% oxygen to the body in a pressurized chamber; in turn, HBOT facilitates capillary regrowth, blood flow restoration, and increased efficiency of wound healing time. The efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in improving the healing time of radiation-induced tissue injury in adults, compared to those not receiving the therapy, was examined. A literature search was conducted using the databases CINAHL and PubMed. The search encompassed the years 2019 to 2024 and included the search terms: hyperbaric oxygen therapy, injury, radiation, and cancer. Inclusion criteria involved articles that identified the uses of HBOT when treating post-radiation injuries for breast, head, neck, and pelvic cancers. Exclusion criteria included articles that did not fit the age group or highlighted alternative treatment modalities. Twelve peer-reviewed articles met the search criteria. The literature found that individuals receiving HBOT for radiation-induced complications reported increased quality of life, decreased pain, and minimal side effects shortly after therapy. Based on the findings, there is strong support that this treatment modality can reduce the healing time of tissue injuries compared to those not utilizing HBOT.

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