Researchers from Southern Cross University (SCU), in partnership with the Melbourne Integrative Oncology Group (MIOG), are launching an Australian-first clinical study investigating whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can safely support patients undergoing treatment for high-grade glioma brain cancer.
Backed by a $1 million gift from an anonymous donor, the collaborative research will examine whether delivering oxygen in a pressurised environment during active cancer treatment can improve treatment effectiveness, patient wellbeing, treatment tolerance and recovery.
The study – led by researchers from Southern Cross University's National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM) in collaboration with MIOG clinicians – is also believed to be a world-first trial of mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy (1.35 ATA – a lower-pressure setting than traditional hospital hyperbaric treatment) combined with molecular hydrogen in an oncology setting.
Professor Jon Wardle, Foundation Director of the NCNM, said the study represents a significant step forward for evidence-informed integrative oncology.
"As interest in therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen continues to grow, it is essential that we generate high-quality evidence to inform clinical decision-making," he said.
"Partnering with MIOG allows us to investigate HBOT in a real-world clinical environment while maintaining strong academic and research standards."
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing concentrated oxygen inside a pressurised chamber, allowing oxygen to dissolve more readily into the bloodstream and reach tissues that are typically oxygen-deprived.
Solid tumours, including aggressive brain cancers, are often hypoxic (low oxygen). This low-oxygen environment can make cancer cells more resistant to radiotherapy, impair normal tissue healing, and contribute to more aggressive tumour behaviour.
Because radiotherapy partly relies on oxygen-dependent mechanisms to damage cancer cells, researchers have long hypothesised that improving tissue oxygenation could enhance treatment effectiveness while reducing side effects.
HBOT is already used in Australian hospitals to treat radiation injuries such as osteoradionecrosis (radiation-damaged bone) and soft-tissue radionecrosis – the death of healthy tissue caused by high-dose radiation therapy. However, its use during active cancer treatment remains limited and is not part of routine oncology care.
This study shifts the focus from rehabilitation after treatment to potential supportive use during treatment, addressing a significant evidence gap.
While previous oncology studies have used high-pressure medical HBOT (2–3 ATA), this trial will investigate mild hyperbaric therapy, which operates at lower pressure and may carry a different safety and tolerability profile.
Mild HBOT has previously shown beneficial outcomes in non-oncology settings, including poor circulation, sports tissue injuries, post-concussion syndromes and Parkinson's disease.
Associate Professor Janet Schloss, senior researcher at NCNM and lead investigator on the study, said the research targets significant unmet needs in cancer care.
"People undergoing cancer treatment often experience complex and ongoing side effects," she said.
"This study aims to better understand whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy can play a supportive role in integrative oncology, particularly in improving patient wellbeing and recovery.
"Working closely with MIOG clinicians ensures the research is clinically relevant and grounded in patient experience. Our goal is to generate evidence that can inform care, guide future trials and support better outcomes."
Ms Tanya Wells, MIOG clinician and Principal Investigator, and PhD candidate at Southern Cross University, said the project reflects growing interest in evidence-based supportive therapies.
"At MIOG, we are focused on safe, evidence-based integrative support for people with cancer," she said.
"We are pleased to be undertaking this novel research to better understand how hyperbaric therapy may support patients during treatment."
The project has also been made possible through philanthropic support from a donor personally affected by cancer.
Professor Wardle said the contribution has enabled researchers to investigate promising approaches that may otherwise struggle to attract early-stage funding.
"This project has been made possible through the extraordinary generosity of a donor personally affected by cancer," he said.
"Philanthropic investment enables us to explore promising areas of care that may not yet attract traditional funding, with the potential to make a meaningful difference for patients and families.
"What stood out about this donor was their commitment to supporting research into treatments that could be accessible to patients, rather than breakthroughs that remain out of reach for most people."
What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing concentrated oxygen inside a pressurised chamber. |
The increased pressure allows oxygen to dissolve more easily into the bloodstream, helping it reach tissues that may be oxygen-deprived. |
In Australia, HBOT is already used in hospitals to treat conditions including radiation injuries, chronic wounds and decompression sickness. |
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