ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Survival rates among breast cancer patients and the number of patients living with treatment side effects have improved, leading to increased focus on quality of life (QOL). The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of CoQ10 on QOL scores among breast cancer patients in Iranian undergoing tamoxifen therapy. METHODS: Thirty breast cancer patients were randomized into two groups. The first group received 100 mg CoQ10, and the second group took fplacebo once a day for 8 weeks. QOL was evaluated by a standard QOL questionnaire and a specific questionnaire on QOL of breast cancer patients at baseline and the end of the study. Also, physical activity of patients was assessed with the IPAQ questionnaire and dietary intake determined by a 3-day dietary record. RESULTS: The data of 30 subjects were analyzed. According to QOL C30 data, CoQ10 led to a significant increase in physical functioning (P=0.029), emotional functioning (P=0.031), and cognitive functioning (P=0.023) compared to placebo. Symptom scales revealed a notable reduction in appetite loss in the first group (P=0.01). Global health status showed no significant changes in either study arm. On the QOL BR23, progress in functions and decline in symptoms were not statistically significant. Arm symptoms showed significant reduction (P=0.022) in patients that received placebo. CONCLUSION: This trial indicates that CoQ10 supplementation has effects in ameliorating some dimensions of QOL in breast cancer patients. To generalize the results, larger and longer intervention studies are needed. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT2015042021874N1.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: To better evaluate the efficacy of CoQ10 on the inflammatory markers in breast cancer patients, we conducted a clinical study of patients with breast cancer undergoing tamoxifen therapy. CoQ10 serves as an antioxidant and inhibits oxidation caused by reactive oxygen species. The aim of the current study was to assess the effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on serum levels of interleukin 6, 8, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with breast cancer undergoing tamoxifen therapy by a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. METHODS: In the study, 30 breast cancer patients and 29 healthy subjects were randomized into four groups. Two groups of intervention received 100 mg CoQ10, and two control groups took placebo once a day for 2 months. Blood draws were obtained at baseline and at the end of the study. Serum levels of IL-6, IL-8 and VEGF were analyzed using ELISA kits. RESULTS: The data of the 59 participants were analyzed. Supplementation with CoQ10 demonstrated a significant decrease in IL-8 and IL-6 serum levels compared to placebo (P< 0.05). Although the downward trend was evident, CoQ10 supplementation did not reveal any significant effect on serum VEGF concentration. The group of patients who received supplements showed the most reduction in serum levels of cytokines among other groups. CONCLUSION: CoQ10 supplementation could be effective in ameliorating inflammatory cytokine levels, thereby reducing the consequences of inflammation caused by breast cancer. To generalize the results, larger and longer intervention studies with higher safe doses are needed and should take account of possible costs and harms as well as benefits (registration number: IRCT2015042021874N1).
