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Related: About this forumSupplements Can Jeopardize Cancer Therapy
(Not sure about the reliability of this source, but it makes sense)
https://www.healthafter50.com/cancer/article/supplements-can-jeopardize-cancer-therapy?&ic=6107
People undergoing cancer therapy who use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for unrelated conditions such as macular degeneration and arthritisand dont tell their oncologists they are using itmay be putting their cancer treatments and their health in jeopardy.
Experts have long known that certain natural products can render treatment like chemotherapy less effective or even toxic, but many older patients may be failing to let their doctors know theyre using self- prescribed CAM, says a new study led by researchers at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.
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For example, the herbal supplements acai berry, cumin, and turmeric can interfere with the metabolism of chemotherapy drugs, resulting in either reduced effectiveness or increased toxicity from those medicines, which are carefully dosed based on known metabolism. St. Johns wort, used to treat depression, can lessen the effects of some anti-cancer drugs and induce photosensitivity, which can cause skin irritation during radiation therapy. Garlic supplements can thin blood, putting users at risk of excessive bleeding, for example, during cancer surgery.
High doses of vitamin C can change the way chemotherapy and radiation work. Even green tea can interfere with a chemotherapy drugs metabolism, potentially increasing toxicity.
tonyt53
(5,737 posts)The ingredients in certain simple vitamins can cause problems during cancer treatment. I listened, as do most, but some people are rabid in their use of supplements, and they keep on keeping on. Got a good friend battling right now and he still takes supplements that he was told not to take during this period.
phylny
(8,397 posts)hoping you are well!