Micronutrients and cancer therapy.
The effect of micronutrient supplementation on the effectiveness of cancer chemotherapeutic agents is reviewed, and the efficacy of antioxidants, folic acid, and other vitamins and minerals is discussed. Although some micronutrients show promise in enhancing the cytotoxicity of anticancer agents in vitro, caution should be exercised in recommending micronutrient supplementation for cancer patients receiving chemotherapeutic drugs. To date, few well-controlled clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of micronutrients in promoting the sensitivity of tumors to chemotherapeutic agents.
Whiteside
Martin A
MA
Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Heimburger
Douglas C
DC
Johanning
Gary L
GL
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004357:Drug Synergism; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; D018977:Micronutrients; D005492:Folic Acid