Some projects become more than just work—they become the reason you love what you do. That’s exactly how I feel about our collaboration with Intermountain Health, where we explored the impact of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO₂) therapy on patients with radiation cystitis. From the first meeting with Dr. Lindell Weaver, Medical Director and Chief of Hyperbaric Medicine, and Kayla Deru, a talented medical writer at Intermountain Health, I knew we had something special.
As one of the first projects I took on at MDClone, I can confidently say I hit the partnership jackpot. Dr. Weaver’s clinical expertise and Kayla’s ability to distill complex insights were invaluable. Together, we had weekly discussions to aggregate data, visualize trends, and uncover findings that could change the way this condition is treated. It’s rare to work with partners as generous with their time and knowledge as these two, and every conversation felt both productive and genuinely enjoyable.
Why Radiation Cystitis?
Radiation cystitis is a tough condition, affecting over 10% of patients undergoing pelvic radiation therapy. Its symptoms range from discomfort to severe complications like hematuria and incontinence, placing a significant burden on patients and their families. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, has shown promise in promoting tissue healing and reducing inflammation for these patients. To study its impact, we used the MDClone ADAMS platform, which allowed us to quickly and effectively identify, capture, and analyze the data needed for this vital research.
Our findings confirmed that HBO₂ therapy is associated with decreased mortality and improved quality of life in radiation cystitis patients, and that delays in diagnosis and referral may increase transfusion needs. The study emphasized the importance of early intervention and the benefits of HBO₂ therapy. From my perspective as a clinician, seeing these data-driven insights has been incredibly rewarding—it’s about translating complex data into real-life improvements in patient outcomes.
The Joy of Collaboration
Reflecting on this project, I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to apply my clinical background to collaborative research that can benefit so many. Projects like these offer a real chance to improve the quality of care and outcomes for patients. I am honored to have partnered on such meaningful work.
