THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

Can antioxidants be used with chemo?

Q. Dr. Andrew Weil states, "If you decide to proceed with...chemotherapy, discontinue use of antioxidants during treatment, since they may protect cancer cells along with normal cells. Resume supplements as soon as treatment ends." Do you agree with this? --G.M.

A. No, I do not agree. Many well intentioned doctors and researchers--even those in alternative medicine-- warn patients not to take antioxidants while on chemotherapy. They echo oncologists' fears that since the two modalities have contradictory modes of action they will cancel each other out.

In my opinion, this is largely a theoretical objection. However, many things that seem likely in theory, do not work that way in people. Data rules. And at the present time, the preponderance of data supports the concurrent use of antioxidants and chemotherapy. There are over 150 studies supporting a positive interaction, and few showing a negative effect.

Critics say, "These are laboratory studies, which don't necessarily reflect the clinical situation." This is only partially true. There are some clinical trials supporting concurrent use, and the extensive laboratory data is both important and supportive. Opinion is divided within the cancer research community. We need more clinical trials, and the results of these could lead me to change my position. Until then, I repeat that the existing data mostly supports concurrent use and patients are mostly likely to benefit from taking them while taking chemotherapy.

In addition, Moss Reports clients can ask questions directly to Dr. Moss's associate, Anne Beattie by emailing her at TMRAnne@aol.com.

If you have questions about purchasing a Moss Report for a particular kind of cancer, you can call our office at 718-636-4433 or you can order your Moss Report BY CLICKING HERE via our secure order form, and ask your question in the box provided

Ralph W. Moss, Ph.D. is director of the The Moss Reports for cancer patients. Dr. Moss is the author of eleven books and three documentaries on cancer-related topics. He is or has been an advisor on alternative cancer treatments to the National Institutes of Health, the National Cancer Institute, the American Urological Association, Columbia University, the University of Texas, the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the German Society of Oncology. He wrote the first article on alternative medicine for the Encyclopedia Britannica yearbook. He is listed in Marquis Who's Who in America, Who's Who in the World, Who's Who in the East, and Who's Who in Entertainment (as a film documentarian). This Web site does not advocate any particular treatment for cancer. We urge you to always seek competent medical advice for all health problems, especially cancer. Before consulting our site please read our full Disclaimer statement.

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