BreastDefend and Tamoxifen study

solfeo

Starting tamoxifen tomorrow. I also like to take supplements - many of which are contraindicated with tam - and that has me scrambling for information on which substances won't interact with tam unfavorably. Definitive studies of that sort are unfortunately not that easy to find. BreastDefend is one thing I have been considering in lieu of some other supplements that may not play well with tam, and I did find this recent study that suggests there may be some enhanced effect when used together. In mice anyway.

The results were presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting in the spring of 2015, but as far as I can tell it hasn't been published in a peer reviewed journal yet. Here it is:

BreastDefend enhances the effect of tamoxifen in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer in vitro and in animal models in vivo

I'm leaning towards taking it, but still have quite a bit of research and thinking to do.

ChiSandy

I’d be wary of any supplements containing therapeutic amounts of antioxidants, since there have also been studies showing that antioxidants not only protect cancer cells as well as normal cells from damage, they also protect cells with DNA damage MORE than they do undamaged cells. My MO and RO told me to discontinue my Vit. C, alpha-lipoic acid, quercetin, and krill oil during radiation therapy since they may keep the radiation from destroying cancer cells or from damaging their DNA sufficiently to prevent cell division. It’s not clear how long after, nor if ever, radiation it’s safe to resume taking them. And the study referenced above (admittedly “pre-clinical” or observational in mice and not humans--not double-blind) doesn’t address aromatase inhibitors, which is what are prescribed for most postmenopausal ER+ cancer patients rather than tamoxifen.

solfeo

To be fair, the study isn't about BreastDefend and radiation, or BreastDefend and aromatase inhibitors. It's to help those of us taking tamoxifen (yes there are plenty of us out here) and contemplating complementary use of BreastDefend to make the decision whether it is right for them. You are criticizing the study for things it was never intended to be.

Fallleaves

Interestingly enough, coffee enhances the effect of tamoxifen, even though it is chock full of antioxidants.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/292879.ph...

(Sorry, to go off topic, but just wanted to point out there may be differences between antioxidants)

Lillylover

it's now 2 years after you posted this question. I'm just beginning to take tamoxifen and I'm looking into Breastdefend. What did you decide about it? Have you been taking it

Lillylover

solfeo, it's now 2 years after you posted this question. I'm just beginning to take tamoxifen and I'm looking into Breastdefend. What did you decide about it? Have you been taking it

EastcoastTS

I'm interested as well since about to start Tamox., too. Thanks for any thoughts/advice!