Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that Hyperbaric oxygen therapy heals cancer. We fact checked it and found his claim to be False.
The Claim
A video on Instagram by the name rahiemshabazz was uploaded in February 24, where the guest is claiming that Hyperbaric oxygen therapy heals cancer. The video featured a conversation between a male guest and a female host in a studio. The host mentioned witnessing people leaving breakfast to use “oxygen chambers,” to which the guest, wearing a yellow hat, referred to them as ozone therapy and claimed they heal cancer.
Fact Check
What is hyperbaric oxygen?
According to the National Cancer Institute, hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing oxygen at higher pressures than those at sea level. This therapy increases oxygen levels in the body and is used to treat specific wounds, injuries, infections, and conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning. Researchers are studying its potential in treating certain types of cancer. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may enhance oxygen levels in cancer cells, potentially making them more susceptible to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. It acts as both a radiosensitizing and chemosensitizing agent.
What is the procedure of giving hyperbaric oxygen therapy to the patients?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for cancer involves patients breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. The increased pressure allows the lungs to take in more oxygen. Sessions typically last 30 minutes – 2 hours and are used alongside other treatments like radiation or chemotherapy to potentially enhance their effectiveness by making cancer cells more sensitive. The treatment plan is tailored to each patient’s condition and goals.
Is it possible to cure cancer?
Not exactly, the potential for curing cancer depends on several factors, including cancer type, stage, overall health, and treatment response. Early detection and prompt treatment with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy can often lead to cure or long-term remission. However, advanced or metastatic cancers may be more challenging to cure, focusing treatment on symptom management and quality of life. Ongoing advancements in cancer research and treatment increase the chances of curing specific cancer types. Personalised medicine, which links genetic information to individual treatment responses, is crucial, particularly in cancer treatment, where tumours vary greatly between patients. Early trials indicate that personalised treatments based on specific biomarkers can improve patient outcomes. Collaborative efforts among scientists, pharmaceutical companies, clinicians, regulators, and patients are essential to further develop and refine personalised medicine for the benefit of all.
Dr. P. Rammanohar, Research Director at Amrita School of Ayurveda, emphasizes that cancer isn’t one disease and doesn’t have a single cure. Various types of cancer require different chemotherapy treatments.
Can hyperbaric oxygen heal cancer?
Well, we couldn’t find any evidence that says Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can cure cancer. It is a medical treatment where patients breathe pure oxygen in a pressurised chamber, often used for conditions like wounds and infections. While HBOT has shown benefits in improving oxygenation and promoting healing, there’s insufficient evidence to support its use as a standalone cancer treatment. However, it may have a supportive role in cancer care. Some research suggests that HBOT as a complementary treatment could enhance the effectiveness of other cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy by improving oxygen levels in tumour tissues, potentially making them more sensitive to treatment. Additionally, HBOT may help manage certain side effects of cancer treatment, such as radiation-induced tissue damage. Despite these potential benefits, HBOT is not a primary treatment for cancer, and its precise role in cancer therapy is still being investigated.
How does Hyperbaric oxygen therapy react to different types of cancer?
In a 2012 study the effect of Hyperbaric oxygen in different cancer types were studied a shown in the table below
| Cancer Type | Effect of HBOT |
| Breast Cancer | HBOT shows inhibitory effects on tumour growth in vivo. |
| Prostate Cancer | HBOT treatment does not significantly affect tumour growth in animal studies. |
| Colorectal Cancer | HBOT alone has no effect, but in combination with other therapies, it shows reduction in tumour growth and metastases. |
| Gliomas | HBOT reduces tumour growth and vascular density in experimental studies. Clinical trials show potential benefits when combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. |
| Leukaemia | In vitro studies suggest HBOT promotes apoptosis in leukaemia cells, warranting further investigation. Limited in vivo studies suggest no significant impact on tumour growth. |
| Cervical Cancer | Previous clinical trials do not show improved outcomes with HBOT treatment, leading to limited recent research in this area. |
| Bladder Cancer | Similar to cervical cancer, previous trials do not demonstrate enhanced benefits with HBOT, resulting in limited recent research efforts. |
While HBOT demonstrates inhibitory effects on tumour growth in breast cancer and gliomas, its impact on other cancer types like prostate, colorectal, leukaemia, cervical, and bladder cancers remains inconclusive, highlighting the need for further research in this area.
Can hyperbaric oxygen therapy stop the recurrence of cancer?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is not proven to stop the recurrence of cancer on its own. While it can help in healing and tissue repair by increasing oxygen levels in the body, there’s insufficient evidence to support its effectiveness in preventing cancer recurrence. HBOT is often used as a complementary therapy alongside other cancer treatments. However, its specific role in preventing recurrence requires further research. Patients should consult with their healthcare providers to explore the most appropriate treatment options for their individual circumstances.
THIP MEDIA TAKE : Studies have shown that HBOT can actually slow down the growth of some types of cancer, like breast cancer. However, other types of cancer, such as cervical and bladder cancers, don’t seem to respond to HBOT treatment. The way cancer cells react to oxygen can vary, and this might be why some cancers respond to HBO while others don’t. Different types of cancer and the way HBOT treatment is given can affect how well it works. So, even if HBOT doesn’t work for one type of cancer, it might still be helpful for another. More research is needed to understand why HBO works for some but not others. By studying how oxygen levels impact cancer growth, we can learn more about how to treat cancer effectively.
Misinformation about cancer cures is spreading online. We’ve debunked numerous claims, such as the effectiveness of herbs, coconut water, and marijuana in curing cancer. These assertions lack scientific support and are not grounded in medical evidence. It’s crucial to fact-check such claims and rely on credible sources for accurate information on cancer treatment.
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