The hyperbaric oxygen chamber in the radiotherapy of carcinoma of the bladder

Abstract

In controlled trials using the hyperbaric oxygen chamber in the radiotherapy of carcinoma of the bladder, no benefit was found in a series of 40 patients treated using 30 fractions and a total dose of 6,000 R and in a series of 27 patients treated using 15 fractions and a total dose of 4,725R. In an uncontrolled trial in advanced cases using six fractions and a maximum tissue dose of 3,600 R results seemed improved despite the selection of cases. A new trial comparing this six-fraction technique with multiple fractions in air is now being carried out. Similar trials are being performed in a number of radiotherapy centres and it is planned to pool results so as to obtain a significant result at an early time. In the work reported, doses have been quoted in R units; the absorbed dose can be obtained by multiplying stated values by 0·97.