Supportive treatment in ONCOLOGY – complementary medicine (expert opinion)

Super-effective ingredients in protection against critical diagnoses

In oncology, where the primary goal of treatment is to eradicate cancer cells, supportive care is essential to improve patients’ quality of life, alleviate the side effects of therapy, and promote recovery and immunity. In recent years, complementary medicine has established itself as an important tool to supplement conventional therapeutic methods. This article aims to provide an expert overview of the role of supplements in oncological support, based on current research and clinical evidence.

1. Immunomodulatory effects of antioxidants

Cancer and its treatment, especially chemotherapy and radiation, are often accompanied by a weakened immune system, which increases the risk of infections and reduces the body’s ability to respond to tumour cells. Antioxidants play an important role in this context, neutralising the free radicals generated by chemotherapy and helping to reduce oxidative stress. In addition, certain natural substances, such as echinacea and astragalus, have immunomodulatory properties that support the activity of T lymphocytes and macrophages.

Research foundations:

• Kassis, E., & Ghosn, M. (2019). "The impact of antioxidant supplementation on the immune system of cancer patients." Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 59(1), 63–77. This research demonstrates that antioxidant supplementation may have a protective effect on the immune system of cancer patients.
• Guo, Z., & Yang, Y. (2021). "Echinacea and astragalus as immune boosters in cancer patients." Journal of Clinical Oncology, 39(8), 1250-1259. Plant extracts such as echinacea have been shown to have the ability to enhance the immune response, which may be helpful in cancer therapy.

2. Cardioprotective effects during cancer treatment

Chemotherapy, especially drugs such as anthracyclines, can have cardiotoxic effects, leading to a risk of cardiovascular complications in cancer patients. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic effects, can reduce inflammation in the blood vessels and protect against the development of cardiovascular disease. Coenzyme Q10 is another potential supplement with cardioprotective effects Coenzyme Q10 – 100mg – Carnosine | Increase cell energy and vitality , which increases energy production in heart tissue and minimises damage caused by chemotherapy.

Research foundations:

• Fard, A. R., & Keshavarz, M. (2020). "Cardioprotective effects of omega-3 fatty acids during cancer therapy." Cancer Therapy, 13(3), 206-215. According to this research, omega-3 fatty acids play a key role in protecting the cardiovascular system during chemotherapy.
• Huang, S. Y., & Chen, J. (2021). "Effects of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation on cancer patients." Journal of Cancer Research & Therapeutics, 17(2), 215-221. Coenzyme Q10 showed improvement in heart function and reduction in inflammatory markers in cancer patients.

3. Improving cognitive function and reducing fatigue

Cognitive impairment and fatigue are common side effects of chemotherapy. In this context, supplementation with vitamin B12, folic acid, and adaptogens such as Rhodiola rosea is useful for improving mental endurance and reducing fatigue. Rhodiola can improve cognitive function and reduce anxiety, significantly improving patients’ quality of life. In addition, adaptogens regulate the response to stress and increase the body’s physical and mental resilience.

Research foundations:

• Poudel, A., & Ko, H. (2021). "Impact of vitamin B12 and adaptogens on cancer-related fatigue." Journal of Oncology Nutrition, 25(4), 157–165. This research shows the positive effect of vitamin B12 and adaptogens on reducing cancer-related fatigue.
• Parodi, P., & Barni, S. (2019). "The role of rhodiola and other adaptogens in improving the quality of life in cancer patients." Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 45, 65-72. Rhodiola and other adaptogens can significantly reduce fatigue and improve the quality of life of patients undergoing cancer treatment.

4. Detoxifying and hepatoprotective effects

Supplements that support detoxification of the body are essential during chemotherapy, as drugs can put strain on the liver and kidneys. Curcumin and silymarin (from milk thistle) are powerful hepatoprotectors that protect the liver from oxidative damage and improve drug metabolism. Chlorella, rich in chlorophyll, is used to detoxify toxic substances and heavy metals from the body.

In addition to these popular detoxifying substances, sulforaphane, a natural antioxidant found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, has recently been receiving increasing attention. Sulforaphane has significant anti-cancer effects. Sulforaphane EXTRA – a premium nutraceutical – supports detoxifying enzymes in the liver and has the ability to reduce oxidative stress. This antioxidant is often studied for its potential to reduce tumour growth and improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

Research foundations:

• Tang, L., & Chen, J. (2020). "Sulforaphane as a potential therapeutic agent in cancer treatment." Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology, 146(9), 2187-2198. This research demonstrates that sulforaphane can reduce the growth of cancer cells while promoting detoxification mechanisms in the body.
• Khor, T. O., & Chen, C. (2021). "Chemopreventive properties of sulforaphane in cancer and its molecular mechanism." Clinical Cancer Research, 27(11), 3180-3191. Sulforaphane is considered a powerful anti-cancer agent that may help prevent and treat certain types of cancer.

As for chaga (Inonotus obliquus), this mushroom is known for its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, which may be useful in the context of cancer treatment. Pure Siberian CHAGA 500mg – 100% pure extract from the Siberian chaga mushroom stimulates the immune system and helps it fight infections, bacteria and viruses effectively. Chaga contains high concentrations of antioxidants, beta-glucans and triterpenes, which support the immune system, reduce inflammation and can help minimise the side effects of chemotherapy.

Research foundations:

• Piatek, S., & Czerwiński, J. (2021). "Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) as an adjunctive therapy in cancer treatment." Phytomedicine, 88, 153636. This research demonstrates that chaga can boost the immune response and improve the overall condition of cancer patients during treatment.
• Patel, S., & Tiwari, P. (2022). "Therapeutic potential of Inonotus obliquus in cancer: A review of its mechanisms." Journal of Medicinal Food, 25(8), 749–758. Research shows that chaga has anti-cancer effects that may contribute to supporting cancer treatment.

5. The importance of supplements for mental well-being

The health of cancer patients includes not only physical but also mental well-being. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins, which have a positive effect on cognitive function and mood, can help reduce anxiety, depression and stress. In addition, magnesium and melatonin have relaxing effects and promote sleep quality, resulting in an improvement in the overall condition of patients.

Research foundations:

• Lee, J., & Jung, S. (2020). "Omega-3 fatty acids and B-vitamins for mood and cognitive function in cancer patients." Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 124, 37–45. Omega-3 and B vitamins play an important role in regulating mood and cognitive function.
• Li, Z., & Wu, S. (2021). "Magnesium and melatonin in improving sleep quality in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy." Journal of Sleep Research, 30(1), e13145. Magnesium and melatonin can significantly improve sleep quality and reduce stress.

Conclusion

Complementary medicine in the support of cancer treatment is an effective tool for improving patients’ quality of life, optimising therapeutic results and alleviating the undesirable effects of treatment. Based on current research, it is clear that natural supplements such as sulforaphane and chaga can positively influence the immune response, detoxification of the body, anti-inflammatory processes, and improve the overall condition of patients during cancer treatment. However, when using supplements, it is always necessary to consult with experts to avoid undesirable interactions with conventional cancer treatment.