A Systematic Review of Molecular Hydrogen Therapy in Cancer Management

Authors
Journal
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
Year
DOI
10.31557/APJCP.2023.24.1.37
Study Type
clinical
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Country
Malaysia
Health Condition
Cancer (multiple types)
Body System
Immune system

TL;DR

Scientists looked at studies about a gas called molecular hydrogen (H2) and found it might help cancer patients feel better and live longer when used alongside regular cancer treatments. While the results look really promising, doctors need to do more research before they can officially recommend it as part of cancer care.

Key Finding

Multiple studies suggest molecular hydrogen may help improve survival, quality of life, and tumor reduction when used alongside or as a complement to conventional cancer treatments, though comprehensive clinical trials are still needed.

Summary

This review examined 27 studies on molecular hydrogen (H2), a gas that has been tested as a potential helper treatment alongside standard cancer therapies. Researchers found that across different types of cancer and ways of delivering hydrogen, the studies consistently reported improvements in survival rates, quality of life, blood markers, and tumor shrinkage. However, the authors note that larger, more rigorous studies are needed before hydrogen can be recommended as a standard cancer treatment.

Practical Takeaway

While this review identifies encouraging patterns across existing research, most studies appear to be small or conducted in laboratory or animal settings rather than large human trials. Anyone with cancer interested in hydrogen therapy should discuss it with their oncologist, as the evidence is still preliminary and not yet strong enough to replace standard treatments.

Abstract

Background: Cancer remains a challenging target to cure, with present therapeutic methods unable to exhibit restorative outcomes without causing severe negative effects. Molecular hydrogen (H2) has been reported to be a promising adjunctive therapy for cancer treatment, having the capability to induce anti-proliferative, anti-oxidative, pro-apoptotic and anti-tumoural effects. This review summarises the findings from various articles on the mechanism, treatment outcomes, and overall effectiveness of H2 therapy on cancer management. Methods: Using Cochrane, PubMed, and Google Scholar as the search engines, full-text articles in the scope of the study, written in English and within 10 years of publication were selected. Results: Out of the 677 articles, 27 articles fulfilled the eligibility criteria, where data was compiled into a table, outlining the general characteristics and findings. Throughout the different forms of H2 administration, study design and types of cancers reported, outcomes were found to be consistent. Conclusion: From our analysis, H2 plays a promising therapeutic role as an independent therapy as well as an adjuvant in combination therapy, resulting in an overall improvement in survivability, quality of life, blood parameters, and tumour reduction. Although more comprehensive research is needed, given the promising outcomes, H2 is worth considering for use as a complement to current cancer therapy.