Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy - Hyperbaric Chamber Information ...

the identified studies. Until more rigorous evidence is collected, the use of HBOT in the
management of these conditions cannot be supported on the basis of the current
inconsistent results.
Cancer: head and neck
The identified studies were disparate in their research designs, varied in their populations,
discrepant in their therapies, and conflicting in their outcomes and conclusions. Overall,
there is a lack of well-conducted studies to support the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy
for head and neck cancer and there is little firm evidence of a beneficial effect.
Cancer: cervix
The studies failed to provide enough evidence to come to firm conclusions about the
effectiveness of exposure to HBO in conjunction with radiotherapy for cervical cancer.
Any conclusions reached from these studies would need to take into consideration the
disparity in intervention and comparison protocols, poor methodological descriptions,
and substantial post-hoc comparisons.
Cancer: bladder
There are conflicting results about the survival benefit afforded by exposure to HBOT in
conjunction with radiotherapy for bladder cancer. The lack of methodological rigour, the
variations in protocols, and inadequate descriptions of populations make it difficult to
arrive at a global assessment of effectiveness.
Cancer: lymphomas
A single study provides some evidence of the efficacy of HBOT in the treatment of
lymphomas. The validity of the end-points used is unclear. The generation of evidence
from properly randomised clinical trials that focus on other outcomes is needed to
support or refute the effectiveness of HBOT for this indication.
Cancer: lung
A single study provides little evidence of the effect of HBOT in the treatment of lung
cancer. More studies in different settings and examining more varied outcomes are
required to reach more generalisable evidence of effect.
Cancer: neuroblastoma
While this study provides some evidence of the effect of HBOT in the treatment of
neuroblastoma, the use of this technology cannot be supported until more rigorous
evidence is collected.
Carbon monoxide poisoning
A Cochrane systematic review failed to demonstrate a significant reduction in neurologic
sequelae following HBOT for carbon monoxide poisoning. Additional rigorous studies
are required to examine the efficacy of HBOT on other outcomes and in distinct patient
subsets.
xiv Hyperbaric oxygen therapy