NEWS & RESEARCH AREAS:

Are You Taking Tamoxifen for Breast Cancer?

CoQ10, niacin and riboflavin may improve prognosis.

By Gale Maleskey, MS, RD
Registered Dietitian
About the Author
September 5, 2008

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As part of their treatment for breast cancer, many women take tamoxifen, a cancer drug that blocks estrogen and helps prevent cancer from recurring.

Now, new research suggests that adding three nutrients may help tamoxifen work even better.

One study found that women taking tamoxifen who also took 100 mg of CoQ10, 10 mg of riboflavin and 50 mg of niacin had positive changes in blood tumor markers. Specifically, the study showed an increase in poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase levels and disappearance of certain types of DNA methylation patterns, which suggests a reduction in tumor burden and better treatment outlook. (Premkumar, VG et al. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2008 Apr 22. [Epub ahead of print])

Another study by the same researchers found that the tamoxifen-nutrient combination reduced levels of biochemicals associated with angiogenesis—a process of tumor growth, metastasis, and infiltration that involves the formation of new blood vessels. (Premkumar, Vg, et al. Vascul Pharmacol. 2008 Apr-Jun;48(4-6):191-201. Epub 2008 Mar 5.)

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: It is estimated that over 180,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and many will take tamoxifen for treatment. Research shows that taking CoQ10, riboflavin and niacin can positively affect the anti-cancer action of this drug, and may even be lifesavers in some cases. Further studies will help to determine whether these nutrients can be used to help prevent cancer recurrence years down the road.

QUICK TIP: Jean Carper reports that overeating sweets may boost your odds of developing breast cancer by nearly 20%. Learn More

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Written exclusively for Stop Aging Now, the authority on anti-aging research, anti-aging nutrition, and anti-aging supplements.

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NEWS & RESEARCH

NEWS & RESEARCH AREAS:

Are You Taking Tamoxifen for Breast Cancer?

RELATED PRODUCTS

RELATED RECIPES