Hyperbaric Oxygen

**Semantic type:** Element, Ion, or Isotope|Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** Oxygen that is administered at a higher pressure compared to standard (i.e. sea-level) atmospheric pressure. Administration of oxygen under hyperbaric conditions enhances the delivery of oxygen to hypoxic tumor cells, thereby increasing their sensitivity to radiation and chemotherapy. In addition, hyperbaric oxygen may improve the healing of radiation-induced injuries by improving oxygen delivery to damaged tissue. (NCI04)

**Synonyms:** - hyperbaric oxygen