HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY AS ADJUNCTIVE STRATEGY IN RADIOTHERAPY.

In the previous several decades the radiotherapy has been widely used in the treatment of the broad spectrum of the malignant and non-malignant diseases. Similarly to other therapies, however, radiotherapy has its limits too. These include, in particular, the hypoxic environment of tumor tissues, which reduces its effectiveness. Another problem consists of secondary radionecrosis. Both of these limits of radiotherapy can be to some extent eliminated with the help of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Previous case studies have demonstrated a significant therapeutic effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of these complications. Still, there are no standard treatment procedures or consensus guidelines. It is necessary to carry out clinical studies with a larger number of samples and more detailed selection criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]