How Effective Is Ozone Therapy in Treating Breast Cancer?

Ozone therapy is recommended by studies — with the claim that it has potential benefits, which include fighting breast cancer. Although beneficial, only a few studies support the effectiveness of ozone therapy. The treatment process comprises utilizing ozone, a type of oxygen in the atmosphere, and exposing the body to it. A breast cancer patient can be exposed to ozone by using methods such as saunas, blowing the gas into body cavities, and re-injecting ozone-enriched blood.

Ozone therapy is usually recommended as an alternative method in treating breast cancer. During the treatment, oxygenation levels rise in the blood, which helps regulate oxidative stress. Ozone extinguishes the main stressors that lead to inflammation and tissue damage. Moreover, the rise in oxygen levels prompts apoptosis, killing cancer cells. Cancer cells tend to grow when there is a low supply of oxygen entering the body. Ozone therapy can also be used as an adjuvant for chemotherapy. Ozone aids fluorouracil, a drug used in chemotherapy sessions, in cells that can already defy its effects.

Studies also showed that ozone therapy can hinder breast cancer cell growth without affecting non-tumor cells. However, Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Cancer stated that there is no assurance with ozone therapy due to the insufficient number of studies on humans. An article from 2018 started the research about ozone therapy and its advantages, but the gathered data are still inadequate, including a 2019 review article. In the research, only four clinical studies about ozone therapy for solid tumors were found over the last 30 years.

Aside from the lack of supporting studies, professionals question its effectiveness due to the side effects of using ozone. Apparently, ozone is a harmful gas to the respiratory system, and prolonged exposure to ozone can lead to lung damage and inflamed airways. Although ozone therapy does not include the lungs, it is still high risk. The FDA is also against using ozone in medical treatment.

People with the following medical conditions are highly-discouraged to undergo ozone therapy, as it may cause potential health risks:

• Hyperthyroidism
• Leukemia
• HIV
• Glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
• Pregnant and nursing mothers

CAM adds a disclaimer that injecting ozone into the spinal area is not a reliable method. Ozone injections should also not be given into the arteries due to the risk of pulmonary embolism and death.

Ozone therapy may also cause side effects such as hepatitis C, pulmonary embolism, and death. The side effects shouldn’t be taken lightly, and further research about the treatment should be done. It’s best to still opt for solid-proof therapies that have been tested for years. Breast cancer patients who want to choose ozone therapy might have to wait for additional research. This is to assure that they will survive cancer without taking too much risk.