Hydrogen Gas Inhalation May Ease Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
- Authors
- Imjai Chitapanarux, Narongchai Autsavapromporn, Wimrak Onchan, Somvilai Chakrabandhu, Pooriwat Muangwong, Apidet Duangya, Tanin Lertsiriladakul, Atikorn Panya, Atchara Paemanee
- Journal
- Cancers
- Year
- 2026
- DOI
- 10.3390/cancers18142191
- Study Type
- Human
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Thailand
- Health Condition
- Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
- Body System
- Oncological
TL;DR
Hydrogen inhalation during chemoradiotherapy showed possible reductions in toxicity and metabolic disruption, but the study was too small for firm conclusions.
Key Finding
Patients receiving adjunctive hydrogen gas inhalation during chemotherapy and radiation showed numerically lower rates of moderate treatment-related toxicities and fewer chemotherapy delays compared to standard treatment alone, though this was a very small pilot study.
Summary
This small pilot study looked at whether inhaling hydrogen gas during cancer treatment could reduce side effects in 19 patients with advanced head and neck cancer. Patients receiving hydrogen gas along with standard chemotherapy and radiation showed fewer moderate side effects, fewer treatment delays, and completed treatment faster than those receiving standard treatment alone. Blood tests revealed different patterns of chemical changes in the hydrogen gas group, suggesting the gas may affect how the body responds to treatment stress.
Practical Takeaway
This early-stage human study suggests hydrogen gas inhalation may help reduce some side effects during cancer treatment, but the findings are preliminary with only 19 patients and no statistically significant differences in key measurements. Much larger and more rigorous studies are needed before any conclusions can be drawn about hydrogen gas as a supportive therapy during cancer treatment.
Abstract (excerpt)
Background: H2 gas inhalation has been proposed as a selective modulator of reactive oxygen species (ROS), potentially mitigating treatment-related oxidative damage. This study investigated the effects of adjunctive H2 gas inhalation on serum metabolomic profiles and clinical toxicities in patients…