Effect of ArginMax on sexual  functioning and quality of life among  female cancer survivors: results of the  WFU CCOP Research Base Protocol  97106.
BACKGROUND
Problems with sexual functioning are common following therapy for breast and gynecologic cancers, although there are few effective treatments.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the impact of ArginMax, a nutritional supplement comprised of extracts of L-arginine, ginseng, gingko, and damiana, as well as multivitamins and minerals, on sexual functioning and quality of life in female cancer survivors.


METHODS
This was a 12-week, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of eligible patients who were 6 months or more from active treatment and reporting problems with sexual interest, satisfaction, and functioning after therapy. The participants took 3 capsules of Arginmax or placebo twice daily. Outcome measures were the Female Sexual Function Inventory (FSFI) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General (FACT-G). Assessments were done at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks.


RESULTS
186 patients with a median age of 50 years were accrued between May 10, 2007 and March 24, 2010. 76% of the patients were non-Hispanic white. Most had breast or a gynecologic cancer (78% and 12%, respectively). At 12 weeks, there were no differences between the ArginMax group (n = 96) and placebo (n = 92) group in sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm,satisfaction or pain. However, FACT-G total scores were significantly better for participants who took ArginMax compared with those who took placebo (least squares [LS] means, 87.5 vs 82.9, respectively; P = .009). The Fact-G subscales that were most affected were Physical (25.37 vs. 23.51, P = .001) and Functional Well-Being (22.46 vs. 20.72, P = .007). Toxicities were similar for both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Study results are limited by a lack of data on the participants' psychological and physical symptoms and sexual partner variables.


CONCLUSIONS
ArginMax had no significant impact on sexual functioning, but patient quality of life was significantly better at 12 weeks in participants who received ArginMax.
Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University CCOP Research Base, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.
Kathryn M
KM
Greven
L Douglas
LD
Case
Lawrence R
LR
Nycum
Patricia J
PJ
Zekan
David D
DD
Hurd
Ernie P
EP
Balcueva
Glenn M
GM
Mills
Robin
R
Zon
Patrick J
PJ
Flynn
David
D
Biggs
Edward G
EG
Shaw
Glenn
G
Lesser
Michelle J
MJ
Naughton