Effect of the Supplemental Use of Antioxidants Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Coenzyme Q10 for the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment Number 75

摘要

The objective of this report by the research team from the Southern California Evidence-based Practice Center (EPC) was to conduct a search of the published literature on the use of supplement forms of the antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin E, and coenzyme Q10, for the treatment and prevention of cancer and, on the basis of that search, to evaluate the evidence for the efficacy of these antioxidants. A broad search revealed sufficient literature to support a detailed review of the use of two of these antioxidants for cancer. Patients with cancer commonly try a variety of nontraditional treatments that fit the broad category known as Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). However, evidence is lacking for the effectiveness of most CAM therapies for cancer. Among the CAM therapies publicized by the popular press for cancer treatment are several supplementary antioxidants: vitamin C, vitamin E, and coenzyme Q10.