Psychobaric Boxing Therapy and Cancer Treatment

Introduction

• Topic: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in Cancer Treatment
• Unfamiliar for many hyperbaric physicians
• Over 1000 articles since 1950, indicating significant research

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

• Characterized as a genomic drug, affecting DNA and chromosomes
• Known for metabolic and genomic effects
• Has a unique purity and is necessary for life

Cancer and Genomic Foundation

• Cancer: Abnormal cells divide uncontrollably, invade tissues
• Described as a genetic disease affecting oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and stability genes
• Role of epigenetics: Changes in gene expression without altering DNA sequences
  • Changes occur at the histones, affecting gene transcription

Cancer Biology and Hypoxia

• Hypoxia plays a critical role in tumor development
• Warburg Effect: Cancer cells prefer glycolysis over mitochondrial respiration
• Hypoxia causes gene regulation changes, affecting cancer progression
• Tumor hypoxia affects efficacy of chemotherapy and radiation

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)

• Induced by hypoxia and reperfusion
• ROS cause DNA strand breaks, mutations
• High ROS levels lead to apoptosis, key in cancer therapy

HBOT in Cancer Treatment

• Benefits: Increases ROS, enhances chemotherapy and radiation by improving oxygenation
• Animal Studies: Show inhibitory or neutral effects on tumors; some stimulatory effects in mouse models
• Human Studies: Support inhibitory or neutral effects

HBOT and Radiation Therapy

• Enhances effectiveness by increasing oxygen levels
• Used historically, now gaining traction in treatment of aggressive cancers like glioblastoma

Chemotherapy and HBOT

• Increases tumor perfusion, potentially enhancing chemotherapy effectiveness
• May reduce side effects of chemotherapy

Photodynamic Therapy

• Dependent on tumor oxygenation
• HBOT improves effectiveness by increasing oxygen supply

Conclusion

• HBOT shows potential as an adjunct therapy in cancer treatment, particularly with chemo and radiation
• Results depend on cancer type, stage, and treatment timing
• Despite years of research, more studies are needed to fully understand and optimize HBOT in cancer therapy

Key Takeaways

• Cancer is largely genetic, influenced by epigenetic factors
• HBOT can aid treatment by addressing hypoxia, enhancing other therapies
• Ongoing research is crucial to establish effective protocols