Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and Cancer: A Promising Supportive Therapy

By Global Health Clinics Wellbeing Team

Disclaimer: This is an adjunct therapy and you should consult your oncologist if you require further information

When it comes to cancer care, most people think of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. But there’s an emerging therapy that may complement these treatments — and it’s changing how we think about healing from cancer: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT).

At Global Health Clinics, we offer HBOT not just for recovery and wellness, but as part of an integrative approach for those seeking complementary support alongside conventional cancer care.


How Does HBOT Support Cancer Treatment?

Oxygenating Tumors — Turning the Tables on Cancer Cells

Cancer cells thrive in low-oxygen (hypoxic) environments. This hypoxia helps tumors grow, resist treatment, and spread. By increasing the oxygen supply, HBOT may:

Enhance the impact of radiation therapy by boosting reactive oxygen species that damage cancer cells
Reduce tumor growth and slow metastasis
Support the immune system in recognizing and attacking abnormal cells

👉 Explore how HBOT works at Global Health Clinics


Potential Mechanisms: How HBOT May Work Against Cancer

Scientists are still uncovering the exact ways HBOT interacts with cancer, but several key mechanisms are being explored:

  • Suppressing Angiogenesis:
    HBOT may inhibit the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow and spread.
  • Altering Gene Expression:
    Oxygen-rich environments may change how certain cancer-related genes behave, impacting cell growth, inflammation, and programmed cell death (apoptosis).
  • Inducing Oxidative Stress in Tumors:
    HBOT can increase the production of reactive oxygen species within tumors, promoting DNA damage that selectively harms cancer cells.

7 Ways HBOT May Help in Cancer Care

  1. Support healing from radiation injury (an approved use in many countries)
  2. Sensitize tumors to chemotherapy and radiation treatments
  3. Complement oxidative therapies like the ketogenic diet or IV Vitamin C
  4. Promote post-surgical recovery
  5. Enhance quality of life, especially for patients with low blood counts
  6. Potentially help with “chemo brain” — cognitive issues linked to chemotherapy
  7. Support overall immune function and detoxification

The Global Health Clinics Difference — Integrative Support with HBOT

Unlike clinics that offer HBOT in isolation, we integrate HBOT into a broader wellbeing program that addresses:

  • Nutritional status
  • Energy metabolism
  • Detoxification pathways
  • Immune system support

Our holistic approach ensures you have the foundational health needed to maximize HBOT’s potential benefits.

👉 Book a consultation with our team


What Does the Research Say?

Promising Studies Include:

  • A study in Medical Gas Research (2019) suggests HBOT could metabolically target cancer cells alongside conventional treatments.
  • Ongoing clinical trials are exploring HBOT’s role in advanced ovarian cancer and breast cancer pre-surgery (neoadjuvant therapy).
  • Evidence also points to improved immune response, reduced treatment side effects, and better quality of life.

👉 Read the 2021 Research Summary on HBOT & Cancer


Is HBOT Right for You?

HBOT is not a standalone cancer treatment — and it’s not a cure. But when used in synergy with conventional therapies, it holds exciting potential as a supportive option for healing, resilience, and improved wellbeing.

We work alongside you and your healthcare team to create a personalized approach that complements your cancer journey.

👉 Book Now or Learn More


References & Further Reading

  1. Smith, T. J., & Wilson, J. R. (2019). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in oncology: another way to metabolically target cancer. Medical Gas Research.
  2. Chen, Y., et al. (2020). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in cancer: consensus or confusion? Medical Gas Research.
  3. Wei, L., et al. (2021). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in cancer: from biology to clinical application. Cancer Management and Research.

Global Health Clinics — Integrating Holistic Care, Science, and Oxygen Therapy for Your Wellbeing Journey.

Disclaimer: This is an adjunct therapy and you should consult your oncologist if you require further information