Ozone infusions, EBOO (extracorporeal blood oxygenation and ozonation), and ozonated glycerin are promoted online as ways to “oxygenate” and fight cancer. Here’s what the evidence and regulators say.
The idea behind the claims
Some tumors have low-oxygen regions, and cancer cells often rely heavily on glucose for energy. Marketing claims leap from these facts to the idea that adding oxygen or ozone to the blood will harm cancer cells. Tumor biology is far more complex than that, and the leap hasn’t been supported by clinical trials.
What the research shows
- Laboratory studies have explored how ozone affects cells and oxidative stress, with mixed and context-dependent results.
- No controlled clinical trials have shown that ozone infusions, EBOO, or ozonated glycerin treat cancer, shrink tumors, or improve survival.
- Symptom research in people with cancer is limited to small studies, such as work on radiation-related side effects, and doesn’t establish benefit against cancer itself.
- Ozonated glycerin has essentially no published clinical research in cancer.
Regulatory status
- Ozone is not FDA-approved to treat cancer or any other medical condition.
- An FDA regulation (21 CFR 801.415) describes ozone as a toxic gas with no known useful medical application in specific, adjunctive, or preventive therapy.
- The American Cancer Society has stated that available evidence does not support ozone as a cancer treatment.
Safety considerations
- Gas embolism: gas entering the bloodstream is a rare but serious risk with ozone given into blood or tissue.
- Infection and clotting problems are possible with blood-handling procedures such as EBOO.
- G6PD deficiency may increase risk of red blood cell damage.
- Delayed standard treatment is the most serious risk of all when unproven therapies are used instead of effective cancer care.
Talking to your oncology team
If you’re considering any ozone-based therapy, discuss it with your oncologist first. For guidance on raising complementary therapies with your care team, see our page on supportive care during and after cancer treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Does ozone therapy kill cancer cells?
There is no clinical evidence that ozone therapy treats cancer in people.
Is EBOO a cancer treatment?
No. EBOO has not been shown in clinical trials to treat cancer.
Is ozone therapy FDA-approved for cancer?
No. Ozone is not FDA-approved for any medical condition.
Can ozone therapy be used alongside chemotherapy?
Safety and interactions haven’t been established. Talk with your oncologist.
This article is an educational review of published research and regulatory information. It is not a recommendation for any treatment and is not a substitute for care from your oncology team. From Venturis Clinic in Oklahoma City.
By Alvin Philipose, DC, ICCP
Sources
- 21 CFR 801.415 — Maximum acceptable level of ozone.
- American Cancer Society. Oxygen therapy (complementary and alternative methods). cancer.org
