Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has raised questions in oncology research, particularly regarding its influence on cancer biology. Anecdotal reports once suggested that HBOT might accelerate tumor growth, but experimental studies have produced mixed findings. This research specifically examined the effect of hyperbaric oxygen treatment on squamous cell cancer growth and tumor hypoxia.
Study Approach
Researchers tested squamous cancer cells both in vitro (in the lab) and in vivo (after implantation in animal models). The study measured:
- Cellular proliferation rates
- Tumor volume and mass
- DNA synthesis through immunostaining
- Levels of tumor hypoxia
- Serum VEGF levels and vessel ingrowth
Findings
- No Increased Growth: HBOT did not promote cancer cell proliferation in vitro (P = 0.534) or in vivo (P = 0.388). Tumor volume and mass were also unaffected (P = 0.471).
- Tumor Hypoxia Reduction: HBOT did lower tumor hypoxia, showing a trend toward statistical significance (P = 0.057).
- No Angiogenesis Stimulation: There was no measurable change in VEGF levels or new vessel growth.
Interpretation
The results suggest that while HBOT may reduce tumor hypoxia, it does not appear to stimulate squamous cell carcinoma growth, angiogenesis, or cellular proliferation in the short term. These findings provide reassurance that HBOT is unlikely to accelerate tumor progression in this context, although more research is needed to fully understand long-term effects and interactions with different cancer types.
Research Takeaway
For oncology professionals and researchers, this study underscores that HBOT’s role in tumor biology is complex but not necessarily harmful to squamous cell cancer progression. By reducing hypoxia, HBOT may influence tumor microenvironments without directly driving growth or metastasis. Further investigations could clarify whether these oxygenation changes have therapeutic relevance in oncology care.
Check out the PubMed article here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18281803/
