Resumen

CAEIRO MUNOZ, M. et al. Papel de la oxigenoterapia hiperbárica en el tratamiento de las complicaciones crónicas derivadas del tratamiento con radioterapia en pacientes con cáncer: bases físicas, técnicas y clínicas. Oncología (Barc.) [online]. 2005, vol.28, n.1, pp.26-35. ISSN 0378-4835.

The increasing indications of radiation therapy (RT) as treatment of choice in specific oncological processes, the need to increase the intensity for an adequate tumor control, and a greater social sensitivity about the value of the patients quality of life, impelled the search of supportive treatments to prevent and treat the radiotherapy complications in a more effective manner, and at a reasonable cost. The technique of the hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy was introduced 80 years ago for the treatment of diving accidents, and has also been used in processes related to ischemia/necrosis. These background drove the researchers and clinicians treating cancer patients to open a working line that could benefit a group of selected patients. We describe in this review the physical, technical and physiological bases of radiation therapy (RT). We also make a basic review of the indications of HBO therapy according to the affected anatomical area.

Palabras clave : Oxygen therapy; Hyperbaric; Radiation therapy; Late toxicity; Cancer.

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