A relatively new category of chronic infections caused by bacteria growing in slime-enclosed aggregates known as biofilms is now becoming one of the major focus topics in clinical research, as it affects millions of people in the developed world each year and in turn is responsibilities for many deaths as a result. Biofilm infections can be extremely difficult to treat, particularly in cases such as pneumonia in cystic fibrosis patients, chronic wounds, chronic otitis media and implant- and catheter-associated infections. “The findings in this study highlight that oxygenation by HBOT improves the bactericidal activity of ciprofloxacin on P. aeruginosa biofilm and suggest that bacterial biofilms is sensitized to antibiotics by supplying hyperbaric O2.” <view study> Read Less

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is considered to be one of the more aggressive types of breast cancer, and is typically treated with chemotherapy. Cancers like these that are able to rapidly grow and spread are a major concern and need to be treated with an equally aggressive solution. This is why we are seeing more research and clinical trials utilizing combination therapies in order to help intensify the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy in an aggressive measure to counteract these highly metastatic cancers. This report followed a 29 year old female that was put on an aggressive combination of chemotherapy, hyperthermia therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and a ketogenic diet. The results were remarkable and “presents evidence of a complete clinical, radiological, and pathological response following a six-month treatment period using this novel combination therapy in a patient with stage IV TNBC” <view study> Read Less

Low oxygen levels within tumor cells (tumor hypoxia) is a major signal for these cancer cells to produce more blood vessels (angiogenesis) and rapidly grow. Not only does that make them much more aggressive, but it also makes them much more resistant to both chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This is truly a dangerous combination and why there has been so much attention in the medical field (and with oncologists) to reduce tumor hypoxia. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is one of the most effective, and most practical, ways to alleviate tumor hypoxia. The protocol used in this study was a high pressure protocol at 2.5 ATA for 90 minutes, with treatments performed every 3rd day. The results were extremely promising and researchers concluded, “HBOT significantly suppressed tumor growth in both the triple positive and negative tumors…  Despite the fact that behavior and prognosis of the triple positive and negative subtypes of cancer are different, the HBOT had a similar suppressive effect on tumor growth, indicating that they share a common oxygen dependent anti-tumor mechanism. Furthermore, HBOT significantly reduced the number and area of metastatic lesions in the triple negative model.” We have come a long way in our understanding of tumor growth, in relation to hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Since HBOT stimulates angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth), the long-standing concern was that this mechanism may stimulate the growth of new cancer cells through the same mechanism. Over, the last 2 decades, not only has this hypothesis clearly been refuted, but solid evidence, as demonstrated in this and many other studies, are making us shift our attention toward utilizing HBOT within many current cancer treatment programs <view study> Read Less

This study was focused on exercise training and evaluated the effects of 1.3 ATA (ambient air) hyperbaric exposure during the training regimen. The researchers were able to see positive changes in cellular processes and protein levels, allowing them to conclude the following: "The results showed that intermittent exposure of 1.3 ATA was able to enhance endurance performance." <view study> Read Less

A Near Drowning accident left this 2 year old girl in critical condition. After being intensively treated in the hospital, she was finally discharged 35 days following the accident, but still unresponsive to all stimuli. Fortunately, she was able to have access to hyperbaric oxygen therapy and began a series of 40 sessions over 38 days (a total of 78 days following the near drowning). Her recovery was immediate, and the MRI that was previously taken before being discharged from the hospital was nearly completely reversed following the short course of hyperbaric therapy. Most notably for hyperbaric physicians was the dosage of oxygen that was used to achieve these remarkable results. Each session consisted of 45 minutes at 1.3 ATA (mild hyperbaric therapy — mHBOT). Not only was the pressure a lower pressure protocol, but there was no other breathing apparatus used in the treatment, just regular air breathing. This case report is consistent with many others who have had ‘miraculous recovery’ following hyperbaric oxygen therapy. However, this particular case is an excellent one to give the hyperbaric community a wake up and clearly demonstrates the power of mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The powerful reversal of severe brain damage demonstrates the effectiveness of mHBOT, as seen in this case (New York Post release) "The brain is very sensitive to even slight changes in oxygen tension and this is one key reason why so many neurological conditions are positively affected by m-HBOT." Another key factor for this girl’s quick and nearly complete recovery is that she had quick access to hyperbaric oxygen therapy (within 3 months). Timing is everything and generally speaking, the quicker the access, the better the outcome, particularly if this procedure is applied within the first 2 years following brain trauma. Longer courses of hyperbaric therapy may need to be applied for injuries that have exceeded 2 years, as hyperbaric oxygen therapy is gaining widespread publicity for its neurological regenerative effects and stem cell release. The end result of "new brain tissue" now gives new hope for both recent and long-term brain injury survivors <view study> Read Less