title: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for the treatment and prevention of colorectal cancer.
abstract: Omega (ω)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are naturally occurring substances that are well tolerated and have been used extensively for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. More recently, ω-3 PUFAs have been recognised to have anticancer activity. There is also evidence suggesting improved efficacy and/or tolerability of conventional cancer chemotherapy when administered with ω-3 PUFAs. The purpose of this review is to (i) describe the mechanisms by which ω-3 PUFAs are thought to have antineoplastic activity, (ii) review published preclinical and clinical studies that support anti-colorectal cancer activity and (iii) summarise current clinical trials investigating the potential therapeutic role(s) of ω-3 PUFAs at different stages of colorectal carcinogenesis, from adenoma (polyp) prevention to treatment of established malignant disease and prevention of cancer recurrence.
authors.affiliation: Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Cockbain
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Toogood
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Hull
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism; D059186:Chemoradiotherapy, Adjuvant; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3