Hyperbaric Medicine for Late-Effect Radiation Injury
San Francisco

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a proven treatment for late-effect radiation injuries, including osteoradionecrosis (bone and jaw damage) and soft tissue radionecrosis (damage to tissues like the chest wall, bladder, and GI tract).

What Is Late-Effect Radiation Injury?

At 8th Element Hyperbaric Medicine, we use HBOT to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and enhance tissue repair, helping patients recover from radiation therapy's long-term effects. Late-effect radiation injury refers to the long-term damage that can occur in healthy tissues and organs following radiation therapy. While radiation is effective in treating cancer, it can also harm surrounding tissues, leading to chronic complications that may not appear until months or even years after treatment. These injuries can affect both bones and soft tissues, causing significant discomfort and impairing normal function. Two common types of late-effect radiation injury are osteoradionecrosis and soft tissue radionecrosis.

Osteoradionecrosis

Osteoradionecrosis is the death of bone tissue due to radiation therapy, typically affecting the jaw, skull, and other bones in the irradiated area. When radiation damages the blood vessels in bones, it restricts blood flow, impairing the body's ability to repair and regenerate bone tissue. This often leads to pain, bone fragility, and the development of non-healing sores. In severe cases, the affected bone may need surgical intervention or removal. This commonly occurs in patients who have received radiation therapy for head and neck cancers.

Soft Tissue Radionecrosis

Soft tissue radionecrosis refers to the damage of soft tissues such as skin, muscles, organs, and connective tissues due to radiation therapy. This form of radiation injury can affect areas like the chest wall, bladder, GI tract, and lungs. It results from the breakdown of cellular structures and poor blood flow in the irradiated tissue, leading to fibrosis, pain, and tissue dysfunction. Symptoms can vary depending on the affected area but may include chronic pain, difficulty swallowing, incontinence, and difficulty breathing.

Possible Long-Term Effects of Late-Effect Radiation Injury:

Chronic pain in the affected area, such as the jaw, chest, or abdomen
Non-healing sores or ulcers, particularly in the mouth, skin, or gastrointestinal tract
Bone weakness and fragility, leading to fractures or spontaneous bone damage
Reduced tissue flexibility, causing difficulty with swallowing, breathing, or movement
Incontinence or urinary issues, especially when the bladder or pelvic region is affected
Fibrosis and scarring, leading to thickened or stiffened tissues
Delayed wound healing, especially in previously radiated tissues
Reduced organ function, such as impaired gastrointestinal or lung function
Changes in appearance, including skin discoloration or atrophy
Increased susceptibility to infections in the irradiated areas
Loss of sensation or nerve damage in affected regions

How Does Hyperbaric Medicine Treat Late-effect Radiation Injury?

HBOT treats late-effect radiation injury by delivering 100% oxygen under increased atmospheric pressure. This allows oxygen to dissolve directly into the bloodstream and tissues, increasing its concentration in areas where blood flow has been compromised due to radiation. The enhanced oxygen supply promotes cellular repair, reduces inflammation, and stimulates the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), which is crucial for tissue regeneration and healing.

HBOT also enhances collagen production, helps reduce fibrosis, and accelerates the repair of damaged tissue. It also boosts the activity of white blood cells, improving the body’s ability to fight infection. These effects help treat conditions like osteoradionecrosis and soft tissue radionecrosis, where tissue damage is often extensive and chronic. By promoting tissue oxygenation and repair, HBOT helps reverse the long-term effects of radiation injury.

Advantages of Hyperbaric Medicine for Late-Effect Radiation Injury:

Enhanced oxygen delivery to damaged tissues
Reduction of inflammation by increasing oxygen levels
Stimulates the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis)
Reduces fibrosis and scarring, helping to prevent further tissue damage
Improves wound healing, particularly in areas that have been previously radiated
Boosts immune function, enhancing the body’s ability to fight infections
Alleviates symptoms of osteoradionecrosis, such as pain and bone weakness
Proven effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of soft tissue radionecrosis

Your Hyperbaric Medicine Experience

During an HBOT session at 8th Element, you will breathe 100% oxygen inside a large, multi-place specialized, pressurized chamber. As pressure gradually increases, oxygen is delivered throughout your body, saturating damaged tissues and promoting healing. You may experience a sensation similar to the feeling of "popping ears" during pressure adjustments, which is normal. The session usually lasts 120 minutes, during which you'll be comfortably seated or lying inside the chamber.

The treatment typically requires multiple sessions for optimal results. Most patients undergo about 40 sessions. 8Th Element has regular business hours 7 days per week, and we encourage patients to attend therapy every day in order to quicken and enhance healing. Your treatment plan may vary depending on your condition and how your body responds. Throughout your sessions, the medical staff at 8th Element Hyperbaric Medicine will monitor your progress. Many patients start noticing improvements after 12 to 15 sessions, with continued benefits as treatment progresses.

office where hyperbaric oxygen therapy in san francisco is delivered

Discover the Benefits of HBOT at 8th Element Hyperbaric Medicine

8th Element Hyperbaric Medicine is dedicated to providing compassionate, effective care using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) to treat late-effect radiation injuries. Our state-of-the-art facility offers a comfortable, supportive environment where patients can benefit from improved tissue healing, reduced inflammation, and enhanced recovery. With personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs, we are here to help you regain your health. Schedule a consultation today to explore how HBOT can help treat late-effect radiation injuries.

Hyperbaric Medicine for Late-Effect Radiation Injury San Francisco