CANCER CARE (Version 2.2) 24-10-1, Page 67-68 states:
“Antioxidant supplements (vitamins A, C, and E; coenzyme Q10, and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)
should be avoided in patients with cancer…These antioxidants should
specifically be avoided in patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as these interventions act largely by increasing oxidant injury, which is minimized by antioxidant supplements.” CANCER CARE (Version 2.2) 24-10-1, Page 67.
I am being treated effectively with degarelix (Firmagon) and darolutamide (Nubeqa).
I am not using any radiation. My oncologist and studies say that these are not chemothapy drugs..
Does the above statement to avoid antioxidant supplements apply only if one is on chemotherapy or radiation treatment?
Not a healthcare pro but the way I read it, it would depend on the MOA of the medication you are taking. If the medication acts in a manor that encourages oxidation, then it would probably make sense to avoid antioxidants.
* From what I have seen there's very sparse evidence for antioxidant supplements interfering with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, though this is a common recommendation.
* https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1534735407305655
* "Conclusion : The preponderance of laboratory and clinical evidence leads to the conclusion that dietary antioxidants do not interfere with the beneficial effects of radiotherapy. It is possible that the judicious use of antioxidants may in fact enhance therapeutic results. There are indications that posttherapy, selective antioxidants may reverse some of the adverse effects of radiotherapy."
Great question ftm1776 . I’ll try go find an answer for you, and thanks very much both vegandan and jgerber for your responses