Asia
Hyperbaric
Centre
Who Is
This For?
This protocol is designed for cancer survivors who have completed radiation therapy and are now experiencing late complications in the treated area. It is specifically for those dealing with chronic pain, severe tissue hardening (fibrosis), non-healing wounds, or localized bleeding in irradiated tissues, such as the bladder (radiation cystitis) or rectum (radiation proctitis). It is also highly recommended for individuals scheduled for surgery or dental work within a previously irradiated field, where compromised circulation poses a high risk of poor wound healing or tissue breakdown.
Unlike acute side effects that resolve shortly after cancer treatment, delayed radiation injuries typically manifest six months to several years after radiotherapy has ended. You should consider hyperbaric oxygen when:
Chronic symptoms like pain, tissue tightness, or bleeding in the irradiated area have persisted or worsened over months.
A surgical wound within a previously irradiated field is slow to close or has begun to separate (dehiscence).
You are planning reconstructive surgery, dental extractions, or implants in an area that received high-dose radiation, where preventative sessions are needed to prepare the tissue.
When to Consider HBOT
How Oxygen Reaches What Blood Cannot
Radiotherapy is life-saving, but it leaves a quiet, progressive footprint on normal surrounding tissues. Over months and years, the microscopic blood vessels in the irradiated zone undergo a gradual narrowing and scarring process known as obliterative endarteritis [1]. Deprived of a steady blood supply, the tissue becomes chronically oxygen-starved (hypoxic) and replaced by dense, woody scar tissue (fibrosis) [1] [2]. Because the blood supply is compromised, standard breathing cannot deliver enough oxygen to trigger healing.
Inside the chamber, we bypass this compromised circulatory system entirely. By breathing 99.5% medical-grade oxygen under controlled pressures of 2.0 to 2.5 ATA, we dissolve oxygen directly into the blood plasma [1]. This hyper-oxygenated plasma diffuses deep into the starved tissues, reaching areas where red blood cells can no longer pass. Over repeated sessions, this does three things: it grows entirely new capillary networks where none existed (angiogenesis). It softens the dense, woody fibrosis. And it mobilizes your own stem cells to the site for lasting structural recovery [1] [2] [3].
The Science & Clinical Evidence
Hyperbaric oxygen is one of the most thoroughly researched and widely accepted applications in hyperbaric medicine, recognized as a primary indication by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) [1]. Decades of clinical trials and systematic reviews demonstrate its capacity to resolve late radiation complications across various organ systems.
Our approach is guided by published, peer-reviewed clinical outcomes:
76% Reduction in Wound Breakdown: A comprehensive Cochrane systematic review of 18 clinical trials showed that hyperbaric oxygen reduced the risk of surgical wound separation (dehiscence) by 76% in patients undergoing surgery in irradiated head and neck tissues [4].
Significant Pain & Fibrosis Relief: The landmark HONEY randomized clinical trial, published in JAMA Oncology, demonstrated that hyperbaric oxygen significantly reduced chronic pain and tissue tightness (fibrosis) in breast cancer survivors experiencing late radiation toxicity [5].
90% Positive Response Rate: A systematic review evaluating hyperbaric oxygen for radiation-induced skin and soft tissue necrosis reported positive healing outcomes in 90% of documented cases [6].
5-Year Durable Recovery: Long-term follow-up data published in 2025 confirmed that patient-reported improvements in bladder symptoms following hyperbaric oxygen for radiation cystitis were fully sustained over a five-year period [7].
Our protocol aligns with UHMS guidelines [1]. The pressures, durations, and session counts below are not arbitrary — they are the specific parameters used in the clinical trials that produced the outcomes above.
Oxygen Purity: 99.5% Medical-Grade Oxygen — pharmaceutical-grade purity certified under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138) [8].
Chamber Pressure: 2.0 to 2.5 ATA (Absolute Atmospheres) — the specific clinical pressure required to dissolve oxygen into plasma and trigger capillary growth [1].
Session Duration: 90 minutes at depth — the standardized therapeutic window for optimal cellular stimulation.
Frequency: Once daily, 5 days per week — providing the continuous, rhythmic stimulation needed for blood vessel regeneration.
Total Course: 30 to 40 sessions (up to 60 for severe bone involvement) — allowing sufficient time for permanent tissue remodeling and micro-vascular growth. For pre-surgical cases, a standard "Marx Protocol" of 20 sessions before surgery and 10 sessions immediately after is typically utilized [1].
The Protocol
What To Expect
We understand that entering a hyperbaric chamber can feel unfamiliar. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you feel comfortable, safe, and supported.
Step 1 — The Briefing & Preparation: Before your first session, our technician will walk you through the safety protocols. You will change into 100% cotton clothing (provided) to eliminate static risk. No electronics, watches, or oil-based cosmetics are allowed inside the chamber.
Step 2 — Pressurisation: As the chamber pressurises over 10-15 minutes, you will feel a sensation in your ears similar to descending in an airplane. Our technician will coach you on simple techniques to clear your ears. Once at depth (2.0-2.4 ATA), you will breathe 99.5% pure oxygen through a comfortable hood or mask. You can read, rest, or watch a screen during the 90-minute session.
Step 3 — Depressurisation & Next Steps: The chamber will slowly depressurise over 10-15 minutes. Once open, you can return to your normal daily activities immediately. Our technician will examine your wound site and coordinate with your primary wound care team to track your progress.
FAQ
How many sessions will I need before I notice a difference?
Because radiation injury involves a gradual rebuilding of microscopic blood vessels, healing takes time. While some clients report a reduction in pain or tissue tightness within 10 to 15 sessions, the biological process of growing new blood vessels (angiogenesis) requires a full course of 30 to 40 sessions to achieve permanent, durable tissue recovery.
Does hyperbaric oxygen promote cancer growth or recurrence?
No. This is a common and important question. Extensive clinical research and systematic reviews have confirmed that hyperbaric oxygen does not stimulate cancer growth, promote recurrence, or enhance tumor progression [1] [9]. It is a supportive, restorative therapy designed purely to help normal, healthy tissues recover from the late toxic effects of radiation.
Is the chamber experience claustrophobic?
Unlike small, single-person "mono-place" tubes where you lie flat, Asia Hyperbaric Centre operates a spacious, walk-in "multi-place" chamber. You sit upright in comfortable, wide seats with large viewing windows and high ceilings. You can easily stand up, move around, and interact with our technicians who monitor you continuously through the glass and intercom.
Feldmeier J, et al. Delayed Radiation Injury (Soft Tissue and Bony Necrosis). Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Indications, 15th Edition. UHMS Official Indication.
Marx RE. Radiation injury to tissue and its systematic management with hyperbaric oxygen. Undersea Hyperb Med. 2020;47(1):115-125.
Thom SR, et al. Vasculogenic stem cell mobilization by hyperbaric oxygen in humans is mediated by nitric oxide. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2006;290(4):H1378-H1386.
Lin ZC, Bennett MH, Hawkins GC, et al. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for late radiation tissue injury. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2023;8(8):CD005005. Cochrane Library DOI.
Mink van der Molen DR, Batenburg MCT, Maarse W, et al. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Late Local Toxic Effects in Patients With Irradiated Breast Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Oncol. 2024;10(4):464–474. JAMA Oncology DOI.
Borab Z, et al. Systematic review of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of radiation-induced skin necrosis. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2017;70(2):248-258. PubMed 28081957.
Oscarsson N, et al. Radiation-induced cystitis treated with hyperbaric oxygen: long-term outcomes from a randomized controlled trial. PMC Full Text. 2025. PMC 12033922.
Hong Kong e-Legislation. Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138). Cap. 138 on e-Legislation.
Feldmeier J, et al. Does hyperbaric oxygen enhance tumor growth or recurrence? A systematic review. Undersea Hyperb Med. 2003;30(1):1-24.
Moreira Monteiro A, et al. The effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for late radiation-induced tissue toxicity. Front Oncol. 2023;13:1235237. Frontiers DOI.
