GLASS LAB · Medical Aesthetics Evidence Index 303 cells · 19,226 papers · 5,969 top-tier evidence

Healing / Recovery · Radiation dermatitis

Hyperbaric oxygen evidence for Radiation dermatitis

C 36.4 / 100 Supported 1 RCT/meta · 1 clinical/observational · 9 case · 16 total
Early-stage evidence

This is an early evidence stage based mainly on observational studies and case reports. Use it as supplementary reference, and follow your doctor's judgment for treatment decisions.

Grade combines the quantity and quality of the research, while direction is a separate signal showing how the papers assess effectiveness.

Includes meta-analysis/SR Median year 2018 Last 5 years 25% Positive results 33% Negative results 1 Korea/Asia 1

Known in Korea as

고압산소

Procedure and brand names vary, but the evidence above applies to the same procedure mechanism.

Key papers

tier1 Systematic review of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of radiation-induced skin necrosis. Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery : JPRAS · 2016 · PMID 28081957

Abstract summary (English) Every year, 1.2 million cancer patients receive radiation therapy in the United States. Late radiation tissue injury occurs in an estimated 5-15% of these patients. Tissue injury can include skin necrosis, which can lead to chronic nonhealing wounds.

Journal Article, Systematic Review

View on PubMed
tier0_review Radiation-Induced Tissue Damage: Clinical Consequences and Current Treatment Options. Seminars in plastic surgery · 2021 · PMID 34526866

Abstract summary (English) Radiation therapy is a valuable tool in the treatment of numerous malignancies but, in certain cases, can also causes significant acute and chronic damage to noncancerous neighboring tissues. This review focuses on the pathophysiology of radiation-induced damage and the clinical implications it has for plastic surgeons across breast reconstruction, osteoradionecrosis, radiation-induced skin cancers, and wound...

Journal Article, Review

View on PubMed
tier0_review Radiation-induced skin reactions: mechanism and treatment. Cancer management and research · 2018 · PMID 30613164

Abstract summary (English) Radiotherapy (RT) is a major treatment for malignant tumors. The latest data show that >70% of patients with malignant tumors need RT at different periods. Skin changes can be experienced by up to 95% of patients who underwent RT.

Journal Article, Review

View on PubMed
tier0_review [Laser and light therapy for treatment of radiation dermatitis]. Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete · 2018 · PMID 29302697

Abstract summary (English) Radiation dermatitis (RD), an inflammatory skin disease that can be an unwanted side effect of medical radiation therapy (RT), most commonly occurs in patients undergoing cancer of the ENT, anal, and vulvar regions. The side effects on the skin and mucous membranes occur within a few weeks after the initiation of RT; however, late side effects can develop months to years after the RT. Therapeutically, various...

Journal Article, Review

View on PubMed
tier0_review Chronic radiation-induced dermatitis: challenges and solutions. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology · 2016 · PMID 28003769

Abstract summary (English) Chronic radiation dermatitis is a late side effect of skin irradiation, which may deteriorate patients' quality of life. There is a lack of precise data about its incidence; however, several risk factors may predispose to the development of this condition. It includes radiotherapy dose, fractionation, technique, concurrent systemic therapy, comorbidities, and personal and genetic factors.

Review, Journal Article

View on PubMed
tier3 Regenerative Properties of Autologous Fat Grafting in a Complicated Radiation-Induced Wound. Wounds : a compendium of clinical research and practice · 2021 · PMID 33914692

Abstract summary (English) INTRODUCTION: Delayed wound healing and ulceration in radiated tissue is a surgical challenge. Autologous fat grafting can reverse skin changes secondary to radiation such as fibrosis, scarring, contracture, and pain. Adipose-derived stem cells are thought to contribute to the regenerative properties of fat.

Case Reports, Journal Article

View on PubMed
tier3 Malnutrition screening in outpatients receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy: an opportunity for improvement? Diving and hyperbaric medicine · 2018 · PMID 30517951

Abstract summary (English) Outpatients who receive hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) may represent a group at significant risk of malnutrition owing to the underlying conditions that are often treated with HBOT (e.g., non-healing diabetic wounds and radiation-induced skin injury). In this issue, See and colleagues provide new, preliminary evidence of the prevalence of malnutrition in a small group of HBOT outpatients treated in an Australian...

Editorial

View on PubMed
tier3 Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: An alternative treatment for radiation-induced cutaneous ulcers. The Australasian journal of dermatology · 2017 · PMID 29286175

Abstract summary (English) Radiotherapy is a widely recognised treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer. We report three cases of radiation-induced skin ulcers in which hyperbaric oxygen therapy was administered in 90-min sessions, 5 days a week at 2.4 absolute atmospheres in a multiplace hyperbaric chamber. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an outpatient treatment that does not displace other classical treatments and may be used as an adjunct...

Case Reports, Journal Article

View on PubMed
tier3 Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for a refractory skin ulcer after radical mastectomy and radiation therapy: a case report. Journal of medical case reports · 2017 · PMID 28049509

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Radiation therapy is performed as an adjuvant therapy when indicated following surgical resection of malignant tumors. However, radiation exposure induces acute or chronic dermatitis, depending on the radiation dose, interval, tissue volume, or irradiated area of the body. Radiation-induced skin ulcers and osteomyelitis of the underlying bone are intractable late-stage complications of radiation therapy,...

Case Reports, Journal Article

View on PubMed
tier_other Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for complex wound management following breast cancer treatment: Single institution 10-year experience. Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery : JPRAS · 2025 · PMID 41191999

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Wound complications following mastectomy present significant challenges in breast cancer management, potentially delaying critical adjuvant therapies and compromising oncologic outcomes. This study evaluated our experience with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in treating nonhealing wounds after breast cancer surgery to facilitate timely completion of comprehensive cancer care. METHODS: We conducted a...

Journal Article

View on PubMed

Suggested interpretation

For reference

Personalized evidence report

Tell us more about your concern
and the Glass Lab bot will build a personalized report for you.

Based on the Hyperbaric oxygen · Radiation dermatitis information on this page, we'll email you an evidence summary tailored to your skin condition and treatment stage.

Concerns of interest (select multiple)
Decision stage
← Other indications for the same procedure group  |  Other procedures for the same indication →