Introduction

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is included in the Mitochondrial Stem Cell Connection (MSCC) Protocol as an adjunctive metabolic strategy aimed at improving mitochondrial function, reducing tumor hypoxia, and enhancing oxidative stress within cancer cells. HBOT involves the administration of 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, typically at pressures greater than 1 atmosphere absolute (ATA), allowing for higher oxygen saturation in blood and tissues.

The MSCC Protocol leverages HBOT as a means to counteract the low-oxygen (hypoxic) environment of tumors, which promotes cancer progression, resistance, and the survival of cancer stem cells (CSCs). By increasing tissue oxygenation, HBOT may support oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) in healthy cells while exacerbating redox stress in metabolically compromised cancer cells—thereby aligning with the protocol’s broader mitochondrial-targeting strategy.

History

Originally developed for treating decompression sickness in divers, HBOT has been widely used in medical practice for wound healing, carbon monoxide poisoning, and radiation-induced tissue injury. It is FDA-approved for more than a dozen clinical indications and has a strong safety record when administered in specialized settings.

Exploration of HBOT in oncology began as researchers recognized the role of hypoxia in tumor resistance and metastasis. Hypoxic tumors are often more aggressive and less responsive to therapies like radiation and chemotherapy. In mitochondrial medicine, HBOT has more recently been studied for its potential to restore oxygen-dependent metabolism, reduce inflammation, and support recovery in neurologic and systemic illnesses. These insights laid the foundation for its integration into metabolic cancer models such as the MSCC Protocol.

Mechanism of Action in the MSCC Protocol

In the MSCC Protocol, HBOT is used to increase cellular oxygen saturation, enabling mitochondrial respiration in tissues where oxygen delivery is typically compromised due to tumor-associated hypoxia. This improved oxygenation enhances ATP production in healthy cells while creating a hostile environment for CSCs that rely on anaerobic glycolysis.

The protocol posits that HBOT contributes to redox stress within cancer cells, particularly when paired with interventions like fasting, ketogenic diets, and high-dose intravenous Vitamin C. This combination may tip the oxidative balance toward selective apoptosis in metabolically vulnerable tumor cells while simultaneously improving mitochondrial function and energy availability in normal tissues.

HBOT may also modulate immune cell behavior, such as macrophage polarization, and influence the tumor microenvironment by reducing inflammation and edema. These secondary effects align with the protocol’s goal of targeting CSCs and interrupting the conditions that support tumor survival and recurrence.

Scientific Evidence

The MSCC Protocol cites several studies that support the use of HBOT as a non-toxic adjunct to standard and metabolic cancer therapies. In a study by Poff et al. (2015), the combination of HBOT and a ketogenic diet significantly delayed tumor growth and improved survival in animal models of metastatic cancer. Hadanny et al. (2022) documented the therapeutic potential of HBOT in enhancing cerebral oxygenation and cellular repair in chronic illness, suggesting its broader metabolic benefits.

These findings are based primarily on animal studies, pilot trials, and case reports, with promising outcomes in terms of tumor inhibition and improved quality of life. The authors emphasize that HBOT is not a standalone cancer therapy, but may enhance the effectiveness of other treatments by normalizing tumor oxygenation and mitochondrial function.

Although more robust clinical trials are needed, the evidence cited in the MSCC Protocol provides a biologically plausible foundation for HBOT’s inclusion in mitochondrial-targeted cancer care models.

Dosing

The MSCC Protocol recommends the following for HBOT:

• Pressure: 1.5–2.5 ATA

• Session Duration: 45–60 minutes

• Frequency: 2–3 times per week

These sessions are intended to synergize with other metabolic therapies and should be administered in licensed facilities under trained supervision.

Clinical & Safety Considerations

HBOT is generally well tolerated, but it is not without risks. Barotrauma (ear or sinus injury), oxygen toxicity (especially at higher pressures or longer sessions), and hypoglycemia (in fasting states) are potential concerns. It is contraindicated in patients with untreated pneumothorax and should be used cautiously in those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or seizure disorders.

Access to HBOT is also limited by cost, availability, and regulatory constraints, as many facilities offer it only for approved indications. The MSCC Protocol frames it as an advanced supportive option for those able to integrate it into a supervised metabolic therapy plan.

Other Health Benefits

Outside of the MSCC Protocol, HBOT is FDA-approved for:

• Wound healing (e.g., diabetic foot ulcers)

• Radiation-induced tissue injury (osteoradionecrosis, cystitis)

• Neurological support in conditions like traumatic brain injury and stroke

• Post-surgical oxygenation to accelerate recovery

These effects, while outside the scope of metabolic oncology, underscore the therapy’s systemic benefits in tissue repair and oxygen utilization.

Summary

HBOT is included in the MSCC Protocol as a metabolic enhancer that helps restore oxidative balance in healthy cells while promoting oxidative stress in cancer cells. By reversing hypoxia, supporting OxPhos, and potentially weakening CSCs, HBOT complements the protocol’s other interventions such as the ketogenic diet, fasting, and IV Vitamin C.

While not a replacement for conventional therapy, HBOT may serve as a synergistic, adjunctive modality in metabolic cancer care. Clinical oversight and individualized planning are critical for its safe and effective application, and more high-quality studies are needed to confirm its role in oncology.

Educational Framing

This content is intended for educational purposes only. HBOT is a specialized therapy that should be considered and implemented under the guidance of licensed professionals. It is not a universally accessible or universally appropriate intervention.

References

• Poff et al., 2015

• Hadanny et al., 2022

• Martinez et al., 2024

(All sources cited from: Targeting the Mitochondrial Stem Cell Connection in Cancer Treatment, Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, Vol. 39, No. 3)

Disclaimer

This section is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.