Does oxygen therapy mitigate chemotherapy side effects?

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Last updated: February 13, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Research

Oxygen Therapy and Chemotherapy Side Effects

  • Oxygen therapy has been studied as a potential method to mitigate chemotherapy side effects, with some studies suggesting its effectiveness in reducing toxicity and improving health-related quality of life 1, 2.
  • A review of 13 peer-reviewed articles found that ozone therapy, a form of oxygen therapy, was associated with decreased chemotherapy-induced toxicity in experimental models and clinical studies 1.
  • A study of 26 cancer survivors with chronic side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy found that ozone treatment significantly improved health-related quality of life and reduced toxicity 2.
  • Another study found that the combined use of Benson relaxation technique and oxygen therapy was effective in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with gastric cancer 3.

Tumor Hypoxia and Oxygen Therapy

  • Tumor hypoxia is a condition in which tumors have low oxygen levels, making them resistant to radiation and some chemotherapy 4.
  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been shown to improve tumor hypoxia and induce tumor apoptosis in lung cancer models, suggesting its potential as an adjuvant treatment for solid tumors 5.
  • HBOT has been found to suppress tumor growth and improve tissue angiogenesis in murine xenograft tumor models, making it a potential therapeutic option for cancer treatment 5.

Limitations and Future Research

  • While some studies suggest the potential benefits of oxygen therapy in mitigating chemotherapy side effects, further research is needed to fully understand its effects and to determine its safety and efficacy in different patient populations 1, 2, 3, 5.
  • Randomized controlled trials are ongoing to investigate the potential role of ozone therapy in the management of chemotherapy-induced toxicity 1.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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