HBOT is an established adjunctive treatment for radiation-induced cystitis. At NUMA, HBOT is individually assessed, medically prescribed and supervised throughout, based on your clinical needs.
Radiation-induced cystitis is inflammation and bleeding of the bladder lining. In cancer patients it is most commonly associated with pelvic radiotherapy, certain chemotherapy agents, and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Symptoms range from mild intermittent bleeding to severe haematuria requiring hospitalisation, transfusion, or intervention to relieve clot retention, and can affect a person's health, daily activities and overall quality of life.
Radiation-induced cystitis is recognised by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) as an indication for HBOT. In the RICH-ART randomised, controlled phase 2–3 trial, HBOT significantly improved urinary symptoms in patients with chronic radiation cystitis compared with standard care. At 5-year follow-up, these improvements were maintained, with 68.6% of patients classified as responders.
HBOT increases oxygen delivery to damaged tissue and promotes angiogenesis, helping improve blood supply in poorly vascularised bladder tissue.
Higher tissue oxygen levels support fibroblast activity, collagen formation and epithelial repair, helping chronically injured bladder tissue heal.
A 2024 meta-analysis of 14 studies and 556 patients found symptom improvement in 89.9%, with complete haematuria remission in 55% and partial remission in around 35%.
Patients with significant bleeding, clot retention, infection, anaemia, urinary tract obstruction, severe pain, or concern for recurrent malignancy require prompt specialist assessment and conventional management first. HBOT is an adjunctive treatment within a multidisciplinary pathway, not a replacement for standard care. This is general information, not medical advice — suitability is assessed individually by our clinical team alongside your urology and oncology teams.
A clinical review of the evidence for HBOT in radiation-induced cystitis, examining its physiological effects, clinical outcomes and evolving role alongside urological and oncological care.
Every HBOT programme begins with an individual medical assessment. Treatment is prescribed according to the cause of bladder injury, clinical presentation and treatment goals, with the protocol tailored to each patient.
usually delivered five days per week, with each session lasting approximately 90–120 minutes.
Every treatment plan is personalised. The number, frequency and timing of HBOT sessions vary according to individual clinical circumstances and may change as treatment progresses.
HBOT is a medical treatment that requires specialist assessment and prescription to ensure it is safe, appropriate and tailored to your clinical needs. Treatment is provided alongside your existing urological and oncological care.
Don't just take our word for it — hear directly from patients who have completed treatment with us.
Explore the clinical evidence for HBOT in radiation-, chemotherapy- and transplant-related bladder injury, including treatment protocols, outcomes, evidence quality and its role alongside standard medical care.
Read article
Learn what happens during your consultation, how treatment suitability is assessed and what to expect from care delivered under medical oversight at NUMA.
Read guide
Understand the safety risks of non-medical hyperbaric treatment and why patient assessment, clinical-grade equipment and specialist medical supervision are essential for safe HBOT.
Read article
Financial Times
The Times
Evening Standard
NUMA is a consultant-led specialist HBOT clinic focused exclusively on medical hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Our service combines medical oversight, personalised treatment planning and purpose-built facilities designed to support safe and high-standard care.
