Metabolomic Alterations Associated with Adjunctive Hydrogen Gas Inhalation During Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer: A Pilot Study.
Imjai Chitapanarux, Narongchai Autsavapromporn, Wimrak Onchan, Somvilai Chakrabandhu, Pooriwat Muangwong, Apidet Duangya, Tanin Lertsiriladakul, Atikorn Panya, Atchara Paemanee · Cancers · 2026
Research-use notice
Independent study record
Each H2HUBB study page organizes source-linked research details for educational use. Interpretation should remain proportional to the study design, population, controls, and limitations.
H2HUBB TAKEAWAY
In 20 patients with LAHNC, although the H₂ -treated group exhibited a numerically smaller reduction in serum uric acid levels than the CCRT-alone group, the between-group difference was not statistically significant ( p = 0.11; Table 6 ). Consistent with these findings, direct between-group comparison of within-subject changes (Δ = post – pre) indicated a numerically smaller reduction in serum uric acid levels in the adjunctive H₂ gas inhalation group; however, this difference did not reach statistical significance. These findings add human evidence supporting molecular hydrogen's therapeutic potential across the specific human outcomes evaluated in this study.
What the Findings Mean
H2HUBB reviewed how inhaled hydrogen gas affected the outcomes measured in 20 patients with LAHNC. Although the H₂ -treated group exhibited a numerically smaller reduction in serum uric acid levels than the CCRT-alone group, the between-group difference was not statistically significant ( p = 0.11; Table 6 ). Consistent with these findings, direct between-group comparison of within-subject changes (Δ = post – pre) indicated a numerically smaller reduction in serum uric acid levels in the adjunctive H₂ gas inhalation group; however, this difference did not reach statistical significance.
What the Researchers Studied
The researchers studied 20 patients with LAHNC. The study used a randomized human clinical trial. The comparison condition was control condition or baseline measurements.
What Effects Did Molecular Hydrogen Have?
Source-reported hydrogen exposure: 1.67 L/min H₂ flow (1670 mL/min H₂); via nasal cannula; 60 minutes/day; administered 1–2 hours before each irradiation session; H2HUBB estimated inhaled H₂ concentration: approximately 5.6–7.4% under standard resting adult assumptions from the source-reported 1.67 L/min pure-H₂ flow. Although the H₂ -treated group exhibited a numerically smaller reduction in serum uric acid levels than the CCRT-alone group, the between-group difference was not statistically significant ( p = 0.11; Table 6 ). Consistent with these findings, direct between-group comparison of within-subject changes (Δ = post – pre) indicated a numerically smaller reduction in serum uric acid levels in the adjunctive H₂ gas inhalation group; however, this difference did not reach statistical significance. The authors concluded that adjunctive H₂ gas inhalation during CCRT may be associated with reduced moderate treatment-related toxicities and exploratory changes in systemic metabolic profiles in patients with LAHNC.
Why These Findings Matter
These findings add human evidence supporting molecular hydrogen's therapeutic potential across the specific human outcomes evaluated in this study and contribute to the growing body of molecular-hydrogen research.
How Strong Is This Evidence?
This is human clinical evidence from a randomized human clinical trial. H2HUBB interprets the findings in the context of the study design, sample, comparator, and measured outcomes rather than using one publication as a verdict on hydrogen therapy.
Technical Study Details
H2HUBB classifies this publication as human clinical study with human clinical evidence. The research population or model was 20 patients with LAHNC. The reported sample size was 20. The study used a randomized human clinical trial. The hydrogen delivery method was inhaled hydrogen gas. The source-reported hydrogen exposure was 1.67 L/min H₂ flow (1670 mL/min H₂); via nasal cannula; 60 minutes/day; administered 1–2 hours before each irradiation session. H2HUBB estimated inhaled H₂ concentration: approximately 5.6–7.4% under standard resting adult assumptions from the source-reported 1.67 L/min pure-H₂ flow. This is a calculated estimate, not a directly measured concentration, and actual inhaled H₂ varies with breathing pattern, ventilation, cannula capture, and gas losses.
Limitations and Safety
Safety information: In the authors' previous pilot study, H₂ gas inhalation administered during CCRT was feasible and well tolerated in patients with LAHNC, with no toxicities attributable to H₂ and an acceptable safety profile [ 9 ]. Future adequately powered prospective studies integrating comprehensive metabolomics with clinical outcomes are warranted to clarify the biological mechanisms of H₂ and determine whether metabolic alterations are associated with clinically meaningful CONCLUSIONS. H₂ gas inhalation during CCRT was generally well tolerated in patients with LAHNC and may be associated with a lower frequency of moderate treatment-related toxicities, although the present pilot study was not designed to evaluate oncological outcomes.
Original Study and H2HUBB Research Context
H2HUBB presents this source-grounded research record as one contribution to the broader molecular-hydrogen evidence base.