Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Pain from Endometriosis
Official title: The HEROES Trial: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Endometriosis-Related Pain: A Prospective Randomized Study
Run by Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre · NCT06579040 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can help women with endometriosis who have been in pain for a long time feel better while they wait for surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 64 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 8, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06579040 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are women aged 18 and older with refractory pelvic pain due to endometriosis for more than six months.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with chronic pain from conditions unrelated to endometriosis or those medically unfit for hyperbaric treatments may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This trial investigates the use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) to alleviate pelvic pain associated with endometriosis, a condition affecting approximately 10% of women. The study aims to provide an alternative treatment option for patients who have been suffering from refractory pain for over six months and are on a waitlist for surgical intervention. By utilizing a monoplace hyperbaric chamber, the therapy seeks to reduce inflammation and promote healing in affected tissues. The trial will assess the effectiveness of HBOT in improving pain levels and overall quality of life for participants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could provide significant pain relief and improve the quality of life for women suffering from endometriosis-related pain.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of HBOT for endometriosis is a novel approach, preliminary research suggests potential benefits in reducing inflammation, though further studies are needed to confirm efficacy.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years old * Patients having refractory pelvic pain (NRS≥4) secondary to endometriosis for \>6 months * May or may not be on traditional multi-modal treatment (pharmacological and/or non-pharmacological) * On waitlist for surgical treatment Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with chronic pain resulting from disease processes unrelated to the pathophysiology of endometriosis-related symptoms (e.g. irritable bowel syndrome, migraine headache, fibromyalgia, chronic low back pain, and musculoskeletal injuries) * Contraindications/medically unfit to receive hyperbaric treatments at an outpatient facility (e.g. pneumothorax, in-patients, requiring infusions to maintain hemodynamics, active and unstable coronary disease) * Unlikely to comply with follow-up assessments (e.g. no fixed address, plans to move out of town)
Where it's running
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Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Fahad Alam, MD
- Email: fahad.alam@sunnybrook.ca
- Phone: 416-480-4864
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Evaluating physical therapy for endometriosis pain management
This study is testing if a mix of education about pain and specific exercises can help women with endometriosis feel less pain and improve their quality of life.
-
GenSci048 for moderate to severe endometriosis pain
This study will test if GenSci048 reduces moderate to severe endometriosis pain in premenopausal women.
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Comparing different techniques to treat endometriosis
This study is testing different methods to treat endometriosis, like laser and heat techniques, to see which one works best for relieving pain in women who are already having surgery for the condition.
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Exploring the connection between the jaw joint and pelvis in women with certain health issues
This study is testing if a special therapy can help women with prolapse and endometriosis-related pain by looking at how the jaw joint and pelvis are connected.
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Using a smartphone app to track pain and mood changes
This study is testing a smartphone app to track pain and mood changes in people with chronic pain and healthy individuals to see how these factors affect pain over time.
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Using electrical stimulation to relieve chronic pain from endometriosis
This study is testing whether using electrical stimulation can help relieve chronic pain in people with endometriosis better than regular pain medications.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.