Is it risky taking antioxidants during cancer treatment?
Researchers from Columbia University in New York City looked at the evidence in breast cancer patients.
First, the details.
- They found 22 articles worth reviewing.
- Antioxidants included vitamin C, vitamin E, antioxidant combinations, multivitamins, glutamine, glutathione, melatonin, or soy isoflavones.
- Each antioxidant was given during chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or hormonal therapy for breast cancer.
And, the results.
- There was no increased risk for negative effects of individual antioxidants on toxicity, tumor response, cancer recurrence, or survival during breast cancer treatment.
- A few studies suggested that antioxidants might decrease the side effects associated with treatment.
- Vitamin E for hot flashes due to hormonal therapy
- Glutamine for inflamed mucous membranes
- Weak studies suggested that melatonin might enhance tumor response during treatment.
The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “The evidence is currently insufficient [to guide] the use of antioxidant supplements during breast cancer treatment.”
OK, but a recent study under laboratory conditions (not in patients) found that pretreatment with vitamin C caused a dose-dependent reduction in the anti-cancer effects of doxorubicin (Adriamycin), cisplatinum (Cisplatin), vincristine (Oncovin), methotrexate, and imatinib (Gleevec) in leukemia and lymphoma cells.
10/22/08 20:47 JR
