Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Practice Test 2025 – Comprehensive Exam Prep

Doxorubicin (Adrimycin) is recognized for its potential increase in mortality rates when combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The underlying mechanism involves the enhanced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity that can occur due to the combination of this chemotherapy agent and high-pressure oxygen conditions. Doxorubicin is known for its ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which contribute to its effectiveness in killing cancer cells but can also lead to cellular damage. When hyperbaric oxygen is introduced, it raises the availability of oxygen, potentially exacerbating the harmful effects of ROS and heightening the risk of toxic side effects.

In contrast, the other drugs listed may not have the same significant interactions with hyperbaric therapy, or their interactions might not lead to such a critical increase in mortality. Each drug reacts differently within the context of hyperbaric conditions, but Doxorubicin stands out because of its specific mechanisms that lead to heightened toxicity in the presence of increased oxygen levels, making its combination perilous particularly in experimental models like rats.