Molecular hydrogen has demonstrated some potentially promising effects in cancer therapy. However, this is based on several small clinical trials and case reports and requires more research.[1]
In 20 patients with stage III or IV non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who refused standard treatment, inhaled hydrogen reportedly led to significantly reduced respiratory symptoms (e.g., shortness of breath, cough, chest pain) and prolonged progression-free survival time compared to a placebo (7.9 months vs 4.4 months). Hydrogen gas (66.7% hydrogen and 33.3% oxygen) was inhaled for 4 to 6 hours daily over 5 months.[2] Similarly, another clinical trial in patients with stage IV lung cancer reported that inhaled hydrogen (~3 hours daily) in addition to standard treatment (nivolumab) led to prolonged overall survival compared to standard treatment alone.[3][4]
In one clinical trial, patients with liver cancer who were undergoing radiation drank 1.5 L to 2 L (1,500 mL to 2,000 mL) of hydrogen-rich water daily (0.55–0.65 millimolar) for 6 weeks and reported reduced side effects of radiation (appetite loss and altered taste), had improved oxidative stress biomarkers, and showed no difference in tumor response to radiation.[5]
More research is needed to confirm the validity of these findings, but a few trials have suggested that hydrogen may alter immune function in a way that could improve cancer prognosis.[6]