Ozone Therapy and Cancer: Myth or Reality

Authors

  • Elizabeth Reyes Reyes Instituto Nacional de Oncología y Radiobiología
  • Elizabeth Bárbara Cuétara Lugo Instituto Nacional de Oncología y Radiobiología
  • Tammy Alonso Díaz Instituto Nacional de Oncología y Radiobiología

Keywords:

ozone therapy, cancer, oxidative stress, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, quality of life.

Abstract

Introduction: The clinical use of ozone therapy is increasing every day worldwide and it covers different medical specialties, including oncology. However, in Cuba, the investigations that evaluate the use of ozone therapy in cancer patients are scarce, so scientific studies are needed to demonstrate its clinical efficacy.

Objective: To explain the pharmacological and biochemical mechanisms of ozone therapy and its use in cancer as a complementary therapy.

Methods: Databases available through Infomed Network were consulted. Key words used were cancer, ozone therapy and oxidative stress. Original and systematic review articles from the last ten years that evaluated the use of ozone therapy in the treatment of cancer were selected.

Results: Cancer is, as such, a disease that induces oxidative stress. Ozone therapy supports its use as an adjuvant therapy through oxidative pre-conditioning that stimulates the cell's antioxidant systems against the action of free radicals. Thus, it is possible to neutralize the harmful action of oxidative stress. Ozone increases the efficacy of radio-chemotherapy and helps reducing the side effects of these treatments by activating the cell's antioxidant systems. Ozone therapy is characterized by the simplicity of its application, low costs, high effectiveness and with practically no side effects, compared to other adjuvant treatments.

Conclusions: The use of ozone therapy in oncology as an adjuvant therapy represented a therapeutic resource of great value given its effectiveness and safety profile. Its use could be extended to improve tissue oxygenation and thus enhance the efficacy of radiochemotherapy, reducing side effects and improving the patients’s quality of life.

 

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Author Biographies

Elizabeth Reyes Reyes, Instituto Nacional de Oncología y Radiobiología

Sección Farmacología Clínica Experimental, Dpto. Investigaciones y Docencia, INOR

Elizabeth Bárbara Cuétara Lugo, Instituto Nacional de Oncología y Radiobiología

Jefa de la Sección Farmacología Clínica Experimental, Dpto. Investigaciones y Docencia, INOR

Published

2023-03-30

How to Cite

1.
Reyes Reyes E, Cuétara Lugo EB, Alonso Díaz T. Ozone Therapy and Cancer: Myth or Reality. Rev Cubana Med [Internet]. 2023 Mar. 30 [cited 2025 Mar. 13];62(1). Available from: https://revmedicina.sld.cu/index.php/med/article/view/2962