Hydrogen peroxide trial tests peroxide in radiotherapy

British NHS trials test hydrogen peroxide injected into tumours to boost radiotherapy with potential wider use and low cost.

Hydrogen peroxide trial offers a cautious path to improving radiotherapy

A clinical trial in five NHS hospitals tests a slow‑release hydrogen peroxide gel injected into breast tumours before radiotherapy. The aim is to increase oxygen in cancer cells, which can make radiotherapy more effective. Patients in the study are split into two groups: half receive radiotherapy alone, the other half receive the gel injection before each session. The peroxide used is diluted far weaker than disinfectants to limit risk while delivering local oxygen.

Early results from a small group of patients suggest the approach is safe and may enhance tumour shrinkage. If proven effective, the method could allow similar benefits with fewer treatment sessions or lower doses, potentially reducing skin damage and fatigue. Beyond breast cancer, researchers are testing peroxide in cervical cancer and head and neck cancer, and other peroxide based therapies are in development for skin tumours and wound healing.

The plan shows how a familiar chemical could spark a real shift in cancer care, but the evidence is still early. Critics warn against overselling a treatment before robust trials and safety must remain central given peroxide's potential to cause harm if misused. If larger tests confirm benefit, this approach could reshape radiotherapy protocols for accessible tumours and possibly reduce patient burden.

This line of research also highlights how cheap, readily available substances might become medical tools. Regulators will require careful data, clear labeling, and strict dosing guidelines to prevent misunderstandings or off‑label use. If the results hold, the field could see a broader push to combine simple chemistry with established therapies, always with patient safety at the forefront.

Highlights

The next results will show whether this idea travels from lab to clinic.