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| Supplement Strategies - CoQ10 |
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Every breast cancer patient undergoing treatment has as her objective the killing of
her cancer cells. The cancer cells have lost their ability to kill themselves and are
reproducing wildly and spreading. What if there is a natural substance found in the
body that can help normalize cell growth?
A recent study suggests that supplementing with CoQ10, which is found in every
cell of the body, can restore the ability of the cancer cell to kill itself.
- Background: Some Tumor Reduction in '90's CoQ10-
Breast Cancer Trials
In the 1990's, six of 32 patients who took 90 mg of CoQ10 showed partial tumor
reduction. One of the six then took 390 mg, and within two months there was
no mammographic evidence of the tumor. (1) An additional 3 patients undergoing
conventional treatment took 390 mg of CoQ10 over 3-5 years. The results: In
Patient One, liver metastases disappeared. In Patient Two, a tumor in the
pleural cavity disappeared. In Patient Three, there was no sign of cancer in
the tumor bed or metastases. (2)
These early studies hinted that there was a scientific basis for the use of
CoQ10, and now a possible of mechanism of action has been discovered.
- Mechanism of Action: CoQ10 Restores Ability of Cancer
Cell to Kill Itself
At the April 2006 American Association for Cancer Research, University of
Miami researchers presented the results of their microarray genes' analysis
study, not yet published, suggesting that CoQ10 can restore the ability of the cell to
kill itself.
How does CoQ10 restore the ability of the cancer cell to kill itself? The bcl-2
genes regulate cell division and programmed cell death. Cells normally divide,
and unneeded or sick cells are eliminated. But, in cancer, there is a decrease
in cell death. The cells keep dividing. In the U. of Miami study, after mice with
melanoma were supplemented with CoQ10 for 24 hrs.,CoQ10 was found
to significantly down-regulate (decrease in expression) the bcl-2 genes, permitting
the cancer cells to kill themselves, which inhibits growth and spread. (3)
- Researcher Explains How CoQ10 Works
- "CoQ10 and bcl-2 are both in normal cells and in abnormal cells,
but the ratio changes in malignant cells," Niven Narain, the Director of
Transdermal/Cutaneous Cancer Research in the Department of Dermatology at
the University of Miami, explained in a telephone conversation in April 2006.
"While most cancer patients have an over-expression of bcl-2, most cancer
patients, including breast cancer patients, have low CoQ10." Blood levels of
breast cancer patients (4) and melanoma patients (5) have been found to be low
in CoQ10, and there is a correlation between low CoQ10 and the advanced
stage of the disease (6).
- "When there is an over-expression of bcl-2," Narain said, "cells can't self-
destruct, creating an environment favorable for cell proliferation and spread."
Plus, the cancer patient has low levels of CoQ10. Supplementing with CoQ10
helps to restore the ability of the cancer cells to kill themselves Thus, breast
cancer patients should consider the logistics of cancer. "
- Seeking FDA Approval of CoQ10
Is CoQ10 safe? Does CoQ10 reduce tumors?
The U. of Miami CoQ10 researchers have partnered with Pathfinder
Management, Inc. to seek FDA approval of CoQ10. FDA approval
requires a Proof of Concept: CoQ10 must be deemed to be a safe molecule
and effective in weakening drugs' side effects and in tumor reduction.
To help conduct studies to gain FDA approval, Indushekhar Persaud, the Chief
Engineer for Drug Therapy, said in an April 2006 telephone conversation that several
CoQ10 delivery systems, including transdermal, IV, and aerosals, are under
development.
Breast cancer patients may consider taking 390 mg of CoQ10, which was
used in the Folkers and Lockwood studies on breast cancer patients.
Since CoQ10 is fat-soluble, taking the nutrient with an oil on an empty
stomach is recommended in order to maximize absorption.
References
1. Lockwood K et al., Partial and Complete Regression of Breast Cancer in Relation to Dosage of CoQ10, Biochem Biophys
Res Commun 1994.
2. Lockwood K et al., Progress on Therapy of Breast Cancer with Vitamin Q10 and the Regression of Metastases, Biochem
Biophys Res Commun 1995.
3. Narain N et al., Coenzyme Q10: A Novel Bcl-2 Drug Target for the Treatment of Melanoma. Abstract 791, AACR
Conference 2006.
4. Joliet P et al., Plasma Coenzyme Q10 Concentrations in Breast Cancer: Prognosis and Therapeutic Consequences,
Int J Clin Pharmacol 1998.
5. Rusciani L et al., Low Plasma Coenzyme Q10 are an Independent Prognostic
Factor for Melanoma Progression and are Correlated with the Advanced Stages
of Cancer, Am Acad Dermatol 2006.
6. Joliet P et al., Plasma Coenzyme Q10 Concentrations in Breast Cancer;
Prognosis and Therapeutic Consequences, Int J Clin Pharmacol 1998.
7. Conklin K., Coenzyme Q10 for Prevention of Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity,
Integrative Cancer 2005
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