Systematic review: generating evidence-based guidelines on the concurrent use of dietary antioxidants and chemotherapy or radiotherapy

Cancer Invest. 2011 Dec;29(10):655-67. doi: 10.3109/07357907.2011.626479.

Abstract

The risk-benefit ratio for concurrent use of dietary antioxidants with chemotherapy or radiation therapy is a controversial topic. In this review, the medical literature on concurrent antioxidant use with chemotherapy or radiotherapy was assessed and further steps for generating evidence-based guidelines are suggested. The clinical cancer research community should cooperate and focus new studies on the use of a specific combination of antioxidant and chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and determine optimal doses for a specific cancer setting. Mechanistic studies on the interaction between antioxidants and conventional cancer therapy could lead to novel biomarkers for assessing dose adequacy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcysteine / administration & dosage
  • Antioxidants / administration & dosage*
  • Evidence-Based Practice*
  • Glutathione / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*
  • Vitamin E / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Vitamin E
  • Glutathione
  • Acetylcysteine