Antioxidants in the Treatment of Cancer
For several years, doubts have been raised about the use of antioxidants in people who are being subjected to radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments for cancer. Some researchers believe that ingest supplements of antioxidants such as vitamins E and C may interfere with treatment, reducing their effectiveness.
This concern is not without basis as radiotherapy and chemotherapy work, at least in part by raising the level of oxidation and free radicals, which has the effect of killing cancer cells. Antioxidants have the effect of reducing the level of oxidation and the amount of free radicals generated in our bodies.
However, a new study conducted with prostate cancer patients receiving radiotherapy treatment was found evidence that, according to the authors of the same, the use of antioxidants does not interfere with the treatment. The study was presented at the Third International Conference of the Society for Integrative Oncology held in Boston this past weekend. This study was conducted by researchers from the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, it is a network of hospitals specializing in the treatment of patients suffering from cancer in an advanced state that combines conventional medical treatments with complementary therapies such as nutrition and naturopathy.
This study reviewed the levels of PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen by its initials in Spanish) in patients with prostate cancer after being treated by radiotherapy. PSA is a protein that is found at high levels in those who suffer from prostate cancer. We found no significant differences in PSA levels among a group of these patients who consumed antioxidants such as vitamin E, green tea extract, vitamin C and multivitamins melatonin high power and another group that does not consumed.
While this study looks interesting and promising, the author of this blog did not think it was definitive. Firstly, it is limited to a single type of cancer. Even if that proves correct antioxidants not interfere with the treatment of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in patients with prostate cancer this does not necessarily mean that it does not happen otherwise in other cancers. Moreover, it should be seen whether a study based on PSA levels can be considered as evidence strong enough to be considered proof.
March 21 2008 11:52 am | Product Discussion