The results of animal studies have demonstrated that the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids can slow the growth of cancer xenografts, increase the efficacy of chemotherapy and reduce the side effects of the chemotherapy or of the cancer. Molecular mechanisms postulated to contribute to the multiple benefits of omega-3 fatty acids include 1) suppressing the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in tumors, thus decreasing proliferation of cancer cells and reducing angiogenesis in the tumor; 2) decreasing the expression of AP-1 and ras, two oncogenes implicated in tumor promotion; 3) inducing differentiation of cancer cells; 4) suppressing nuclear factor--kB activation and bcl-2 expression, thus allowing apoptosis of cancer cells; and 5) reducing cancer-induced cachexia. It seems reasonable to assume that after appropriate cancer therapy, consumption of omega-3 fatty acids might slow or stop the growth of metastatic cancer cells, increase longevity of cancer patients and improve their quality of life.
Article
Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Augment Cancer Therapy
Biochemistry and Microbiology
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-1-2002
Disciplines
Abstract
Citation Information
Hardman, W. E. "Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Augment Cancer Therapy." The Journal of Nutrition 132.111 Nov. (2002): 35085-125. Web. 21 May 2012. .
This article first appeared in the November 1, 2002 issue of The Journal of Nutrition, the member magazine of The American Society for Nutritional Sciences, and is reprinted with permission.
© 2002 The American Society for Nutritional Sciences