Should CoQ10 be taken In Postmenopausal Breast Cancer

joetmn

Conflicting results, don't know what to believe?

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20668119

CONCLUSIONS:

Higher CoQ10 levels in postmenopausal women may be associated with increased breast cancer risk.

http://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bpb/30/2/367/_pdf

The study suggests that supplementation
of CoRN along with tamoxifen to breast cancer patients
reduces the serum tumour marker levels of CEA and
CA 15-3, thereby offering better cancer prognosis by reducing
the risk of developing cancer recurrence and metastasis.

So, should CoQ10 + B2 + B3 be used?

SelenaWolf

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Breast Cancer!  One of the most frustrating things I have found is that - for every study advocating one treatment - there is another study negating it.  Studies use different models; target small, select populations; use statistical formulas that, often, make their results seem more significant than the real numbers behind them; and find "associations" and "links" that "suggest" more than they reveal.  It's very convoluted and all it means is that researchers still aren't sure what - ultimately - causes breast cancer and breast cancer recurrence.

Jelson

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nature10983.html

I think the article above is the one discussed in my local newspaper today - a new way to classify breast cancers is coming and it will enable researchers and treating physicians to zero in on which types of BC benefit from which therapies. perhaps this is the problem with CoQ10, it is appropriate for some and not others, but the studies lump the different categories of women together since the researchers didn't know to separate the subjects into diff groups and can't id what made some women respond positively and others not. 

Totally frustrating for now, for us.

Julie E

joetmn

So far, I only notice that Vit E (Tocotientiol only), Vit D3, Melatornin, and B2 with a little bit more solid.

Anonymous

The article says CoRN, and that isn't the same thing as Co-enzyme Q10 as far as I know. Whatever CoRN is, it apparently does NOT cause bc recurrences.

IMHO vitamins and supplements are good for you unless you have a perfect diet from perfect soil. Most of us don't have that.

I also take selenium since it's depleted from the soil.

Norah

sandilee

 When I rattled off the supplements I'm taking to my oncologist, ( D3, Calcium, Fish Oil, Melatonin,aspirin, Coq10 and a few others)  he said, "I'm not a big fan of Coq10. "

 I know I should have asked for a reason for his feelings, but you know how it goes.  I was surprised, though, as I know he is concerned about heart issues, and it's supposed to be good for your heart.  It seems that there are some contraindications, and it would be good to know what they might be.

Anonymous

sandilee,

Read/listen to these:  http://products.mercola.com/coq10-ubiquinol/

http://www.coq10benefits.net/

The benefits of C0Q10 are amazing!

Norah

joetmn

Hi norahamby,

CoRN regime is also included CoQ10, B2 and B3.  Some study advised that it can significantlly lower the CA15.3 and CEA, while other study said CoQ10 will increase the risk of recurrence.  

Both study is for Postm, and however, CoRN regime include ER+ and ER- in both.  Maybe CoQ10 is harmful for ER+ only.  

http://www.medaus.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=92:in-postmenopausal-breast-cancer-patients-supplementation-with-coenzyme-q10-niacin-and-riboflavin-improves-various-blood-chemistry-profiles-unfavorably-affected-by-tamoxifen-therapy&catid=6:medaus-news&Itemid=35

Kaara

I am post menopausal and take CoQ10.  It was recommended as a part of my supplementation program by my ND.  Tests showed that I was deficient, and the study says that excess can cause a recurrence, so IMO it is important to have our levels tested regularly.

wallycat

Sounds like these studies are done on women during treatment (tamoxifen).  So what about women after treatment?  Arimidex and tamoxifen usually last 5 years...and then what?

Do these vitamins have good or bad effects then?  Maybe the vitamins negate something in the metabolism of the meds?  I have just completed all my meds but I took a supplement that had coq10 throughout treatment. Sure wish they'd know.

I do agree that not every scientist is dividing up breast cancer by genetics; everything is an umbrella term and so who knows how or why they get so many different results.