Alpha-Lipoic Acid supplements during chemo?

[Guest guest]

" Because it is a powerful antioxidant, there are concerns that lipoic acid

could make radiation therapy or chemotherapy less effective. While this

concern is based largely on theories of how cancer treatments work, it is

supported by some recent studies. For this reason, people being treated for

cancer should speak with their doctors before taking this supplement. "

<http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAl

ternativeMedicine/PharmacologicalandBiologicalTreatment/lipoic-acid>

cancer.org

<http://www.lymphomation.org/CAM-A-E.htm#lipoic>

http://www.lymphomation.org/CAM-A-E.htm#lipoic

So far there is no evidence from controlled clinical trials to show

therapeutic or protective effects of alpha-lipoic acid. Clinical studies of

sufficient size are required to determine the risks and potential benefits

of any intervention, particularly when the effects are modest or small.

Note: I have written the investigator of a study* to see if Alpha-Lipoic

Acid has neuro-protective effects when given during chemo . The

placebo-controlled study which completed enrollment has not yet been

published, and so far I haven't received a reply.

(* Prevention of Cisplatin- or Oxaliplatin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

With Alpha-Lipoic Acid: A Placebo-Controlled Phase III Trial)

So, in the meantime, there is a plausible theoretical reason to avoid

Alpha-Lipoic Acid during treatment and no clinical data to support its use.

All the best,

~ Karl

Patients Against Lymphoma

Patients Helping Patients

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