Fish oil supplementation during chemotherapy increases posterior time to tumor progression in colorectal cancer

Nutr Cancer. 2016;68(1):70-6. doi: 10.1080/01635581.2016.1115097. Epub 2015 Dec 23.

Abstract

The authors evaluated clinical outcomes during and after chemotherapy in colorectal cancer patients supplemented with fish oil during the first 9 wk of treatment. Thirty individuals never submitted to chemotherapy were randomized into supplemented group (SG), which received 2 g/day of fish oil (0.6 g/day of EPA and DHA) for 9 wk or control group (CG), which received neither fish oil nor placebo. Outcomes assessed were number of chemotherapy cycles administered; days undergoing chemotherapy; number of delays and interruptions in the administration of chemotherapy; number of hospitalizations during chemotherapy; tumor progression; values of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA); days until events (death and progression); and 3 yr survival. Time to tumor progression was significantly longer in SG [S593 days (±211.5)] vs. CG [330 days (± 135.1); P = 0.04], other outcomes did not differ between groups. Subjects with advanced cancer who received fish oil presented longer time to tumor progression and lower CEA values after chemotherapy; however these differences were not statistically significant. Supplementation with 2 g/day of fish oil for the first 9 wk of chemotherapy may contribute to delay in tumor progression in colorectal patients, possibly by enhancing the antineoplastic action of the chemotherapeutic drug.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Carcinoembryonic Antigen / blood
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / mortality
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Fish Oils / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Carcinoembryonic Antigen
  • Fish Oils