Some people experience lasting breast or chest-wall symptoms after radiotherapy for breast cancer. These can include pain and fibrosis: thickening or hardening of tissue. HBOT has been studied to help with these late treatment effects, rather than to treat the breast cancer itself.
The HONEY randomized clinical trial, published in JAMA Oncology in 2024, studied women with persistent symptoms at least a year after breast irradiation. Offering HBOT reduced reported moderate or severe fibrosis, but did not significantly reduce pain in the overall randomized comparison. A separate analysis accounting for treatment completion suggested pain benefit among women who completed HBOT. Only about one quarter of those offered treatment completed it, with the treatment burden a common reason for declining.
These results suggest HBOT may help selected patients with radiation-related tissue problems after breast cancer treatment. They do not show that HBOT shrinks tumours, prevents recurrence or improves cancer survival. Assessment should be coordinated with the oncology team to confirm the cause of symptoms and whether a course of HBOT is suitable.
Conditions affecting the bladder or urinary tract that can cause pain, urgency, bleeding or other symptoms.
Cancer arising in breast tissue, with treatment tailored to the tumour type, stage and individual patient.
A group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and may invade or spread to other tissues.
Delayed brain tissue injury after radiation therapy that can cause swelling and neurological symptoms.
Late tissue damage after radiation therapy that can cause poor healing, fibrosis or tissue breakdown.
A cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow that can affect bones, blood counts, kidneys and immunity.
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