Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Radiation Necrosis

Delayed radiation injury is a recognised indication for HBOT by the UHMS & European Committee for Hyperbaric Medicine. At NUMA, treatment is individually assessed, prescribed and supervised alongside your specialist care.

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What is radiation necrosis

Radiation injury is delayed damage to healthy tissue after radiotherapy. It can reduce blood supply and oxygen, causing fibrosis, poor healing and, in severe cases, tissue necrosis.

HBOT in Radiation Necrosis: What the Evidence Shows

Biological rationale, and why evidence is site-specific

At pressure, much more oxygen dissolves in plasma, travelling beyond damaged microcirculation and increasing the diffusion gradient into hypoxic tissue. Repeated exposure may stimulate angiogenesis, fibroblast activity, collagen deposition and epithelial repair, and modulate oedema and inflammation, helping irradiated tissue tolerate debridement or reconstruction. Plausibility is not proof of clinical benefit: the evidence differs substantially between bladder, bowel, jaw, soft tissue and brain.

Dejonckheere CS, Käsmann L, Schmeel LC, et al., 2026

Radiation-induced cystitis

Strongest randomised evidence 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.

Oscarsson 2019 Oscarsson 2025

Osteoradionecrosis of the jaw

Supporting healing alongside surgery For patients with established osteoradionecrosis of the jaw requiring surgery, clinical trials found healing in 70% of patients treated with surgery plus HBOT, compared with 51% with surgery alone. However, the difference was not statistically significant, so HBOT is considered a selective adjunct rather than a routine treatment.

Forner et al., 2022

Cerebral radiation necrosis

A possible option in selected cases Small studies suggest HBOT may improve symptoms or scan findings in some patients with cerebral radiation necrosis, but the evidence is still limited. Because radiation necrosis can look similar to tumour progression on scans, careful neuro-oncology assessment is essential before HBOT is considered.

Co et al., 2020

HBOT is an adjunct to multidisciplinary care, not a replacement for oncology, surgery or specialist treatment. Recurrent cancer and other causes of symptoms should be excluded before HBOT is considered.

HBOT for Radiation Necrosis and Late Radiation Tissue Injury

A clinically focused review of delayed radiation injury, the biological rationale for HBOT, and how the evidence differs by anatomical site, from radiation cystitis and proctitis to osteoradionecrosis, soft-tissue injury and cerebral radiation necrosis.

Read the clinical review

HBOT Treatment Pathway

A common course is 30 to 40 sessions, usually five days per week at around 2.0 to 2.5 ATA. Oxygen exposure is typically 80 to 90 minutes, with the full chamber visit lasting 90 to 120 minutes.

Typical course

30–40 sessions

Weekday sessions over approximately six to eight weeks, with each visit typically lasting around two hours.

Individualised protocol

Medically assessed

Treatment is tailored to the site, severity, clinical goal and response, and prescribed by a hyperbaric physician.

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.

Choosing Safe, Consultant-Led HBOT for Radiation Necrosis

HBOT is a medical treatment that requires specialist assessment and prescription to confirm it is safe, appropriate and tailored to your needs. It is provided alongside, not instead of, your oncology, surgical and specialist care. Your consultation with our specialist medical doctor includes:

Review of your radiotherapy history, medications, imaging and specialist reports, with recurrent cancer, infection and other causes considered
Assessment of your fitness for HBOT
An individualised treatment prescription based on the anatomical site, severity and clinical objective
Discussion of the evidence, expected benefit, limitations and practical commitment of treatment
Ongoing medical review during the course, with treatment adjusted according to response

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Patient experiences

Hear from our patients about their experience with our clinic

Oncology
I have been receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy at NUMA for about a year now to help alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy. Before coming here, I researched many places in London that offer this type of treatment, and NUMA stood out as the only facility providing true medical-grade care. Their approach is extremely professional. Dr. Nur and her team kept me fully informed every step of the way, which made me feel safe and secure throughout my treatment. The facility is exceptionally clean and calm, and the staff are incredibly friendly and supportive. I highly recommend NUMA to anyone seeking high-quality hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
— Nana Murakami

Oncology
Truly exceptional in every single way! Dr Nur and her team are incredibly professional and extremely knowledgeable. Every time I visit Numa I feel that I am being treated very much as an individual. The whole experience is underpinned by a tangible attention to every detail. From the warm welcome by name from Chloe as you walk in, the immaculate chambers (with tablets in should you wish to use them) and then a refreshing glass of water or tea as your blood pressure and oxygen levels are taken as you leave the chamber. First class service that is making a genuinely positive impact on my health as an oncology patient. I would not hesitate to recommend Numa!
— Tom Vinten

Oncology
I had the best experience of HBOT at NUMA. Recently I've been diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, and my nutritionist suggested to do couple of sessions of HBOT in order to manage my symptoms and and to improve the quality of life in my journey with HL. Dr Nur, is just as pure as her name means( light ) ☺️. She is very qualified. And she really did her best, to help me with her knowledge about my sickness and made me discover new ways that could help me heal quickly. The rest of the team, Chloe, Asli and Sonay are very friendly, caring and attentive stuff which made me feel very safe. I did 20 sessions of 60 min of HBOT. I would definitely recommend it with closed eyes, and I will go back for more sessions soon. All best
— benchahda majda

Individual experiences vary and testimonials should not be taken as evidence of treatment outcomes.

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Learn more about NUMA's clinical approach to HBOT

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.

25+ Years
Medical Experience

Specialist
HBOT Clinic

Exclusively
HBOT

CQC Registered
UHMS Member

8 Chambers
Up to 2.0 ATA

Consultant-Led
Care

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