Results Of A Campaign To Expand The Knowledge Of Referring Providers Related To The Benefits Of Hyperbaric OxygenTherapy On Late Radiation Tissue Injuries

Introduction: Radiation therapy is a modality used to treat many forms of cancer, and about 50% of individuals receiving radiotherapy will be long-term survivors. A 2023 review of eighteen studies using Cochrane methodology, ranging from 1985-2022, suggested hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy may be associated with improved outcomes in patients with late radiation tissue injury (LRTI) affecting areas of the head, neck, bladder, and rectum.[1] More recently, a 2024 study demonstrated improved patient-reported hematuria, urinary function, and quality-of-life in a cohort receiving HBO2 therapy for radiation cystitis. [2] Despite supporting medical-evidence, patients experiencing symptoms of LRTI appear to be under-treated with HBO2 therapy secondary to a lack of understanding of HBO2 medicine by potential referring providers. This cursory analysis aims to determine if a nationwide educational campaign targeting LRTIs could favorably impact access or the number of patients who could benefit from HBO2 therapy. Methods:On October 1, 2023, a twelve-month LRTI education campaign was initiated, led by over 25 regional directors targeting local and regional oncology groups across North America. From October 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024, the total number of patients treated with HBO2 therapy organized by ICD 10 codes and those specifically treated for LRTIs was collected. The comparator group was collected before the education campaign was initiated from April 1, 2023 through September 30, 2023. Statistical significance was calculated using the Chi-Square methodology.Results:Within the first six months of the LRTI educational campaign, there has been an observed 2% increase in the proportion of LRTIs receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy compared to all other diagnoses treated.➙ Pre-LRTI Campaign (April 2023 – September 2023): - HBO2 Treatments Radiation Indications = 11,720 - HBO2 Treatments All UHMS Indications = 48,818 ➙ Active LRTI Campaign (October 2023 – March 2024):- HBO2 Treatments Radiation Indications = 10,895 - HBO2 Treatments All UHMS Indications = 42,960 The chi-square statistic is 22.536. The p-value is