For Immediate Release
November 20, 2006

BUFFALO, NY – Christine Ambrosone, PhD, Chair of Epidemiology and Cancer Prevention at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) has been awarded a four-year, $2.4 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to study the role antioxidant supplements play during chemotherapy.      

Cancer patients report widespread use of antioxidant supplements during chemotherapy despite recommendations from national cancer organizations that supplements not be used during treatment. It has been thought that they may block the therapeutic effects of chemotherapy. However some laboratory-based studies seem to show that antioxidants may actually enhance the effects of chemotherapy drugs.

Dr. Ambrosone and colleagues will investigate the question of whether using antioxidant supplements during chemotherapy has any impact on the side effects experienced or the disease-free survival of cancer patients. The research will be conducted simultaneously with an ongoing Phase III clinical trial sponsored by Southwest Oncology Group that is examining a new combination of chemotherapy agents for patients being treated for breast cancer.

RPCI scientists expect to enroll 3,000 women on this ancillary study which will consist of a collection of questionnaire data regarding the use of antioxidant supplements and other lifestyle factors. DNA will be analyzed and genetic variability will be evaluated.

“Currently there are no sound clinical data to guide physicians in providing recommendations to their patients regarding the use of antioxidant supplements during treatment,” said Dr. Ambrosone. “This study will have the capabilities to answer extremely important questions in the care of cancer patients today and provide data that may lead to reduced treatment toxicities and increased disease-free survival.”

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment and education center and is the only National Caner Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers. For more information, visit the RPCI website at www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or email askrpci@roswellpark.org.

 

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