Oxygen therapies.

Oxygen therapies are unproven alternatives promoted as a cure for cancer, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), and other degenerative diseases. These "therapies" are offered at clinics in Mexico, the United States, and Europe. Proponents claim that many diseases, including cancer, are caused by oxygen deficiency and that oxygenation can restore health by destroying cancer cells, eliminating pathogens, stimulating metabolism, and by producing "oxidative detoxification." There is no scientific evidence to support any of these claims. Oxygen therapies include: (1) hydrogen peroxide therapy involving intravenous infusion, ingestion, colonic administration, or soaking in hydrogen peroxide solution; (2) ozone colonies and ozone autohemotherapy, in which blood is withdrawn and treated with ozone before reinfusion, and (3) "oxygenated" water, pills, and solutions. The use of oxygen therapies has resulted in serious adverse events and several deaths. Oxygen therapies should not be confused with those commonly used in respiratory care.