[abstract] CASE STUDIES: TREATMENT OF RADIATION CYSTITIS IN TWO PATIENTS WITH HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cancer, a recognized international problem, is treated globally with radiation therapy. Radiation cystitis is a significantly problematic result from this treatment to the pelvic area. Bladder injury (developing months or years post therapy) can present as pain, minor to intractable hematuria, the annoying urge to void, incontinence, fistula development and eventually death if left untreated. Traditional treatment includes instillation with chemicals, urinary diversion and/or bladder removal. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, providing angiogenesis to irradiated areas, is proposed to improve blood supply to damaged tissue via neovascularization, positively affecting the symptoms of radiation cystitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two patients were treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy protocol for radiation cystitis in a monoplace HBO chamber. Patients were asked about symptoms; pain severity, hematuria, and urgency, pre and post HBO therapy. RESULTS: Significant improvement or disappearance of symptoms was noted in both patients treated for radiation cystitis with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. CONCLUSIONS: These case studies demonstrate the effective and safe use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of cystitis resulting from treatment of cancer with radiation therapy.