Coenzyme Q10 in breast cancer care

Future Oncol. 2017 May;13(11):1035-1041. doi: 10.2217/fon-2016-0547.

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common type of cancers with high rates of morbidity and mortality. By now numerous medical approaches are available for treatment of BC including chemotherapies, radiation and surgery. These are accompanied by several complications like partial effectiveness, fatal adverse effects and high cost. Numerous studies in recent years tried to find safe and effective alternatives. A promising candidate is coenzyme Q10 which is an antioxidant that can target the mechanisms of BC tumor progression.

Methods & results: In this systematic review via PubMed searching, sparse but promising findings were classified about the successful application of this compound as an adjunct in prevention and treatment of BC and its comorbidities with some contradicting data about its null effect.

Discussion & conclusion: According to the results, further well-designed clinical studies with dose optimization are now required to stratify the role of this supplement in current BC regimens.

Keywords: breast neoplasms; cancer; coenzyme Q10; complementary therapies; dietary supplements; prevention; review.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / mortality
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Disease Management
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ubiquinone / analogs & derivatives*
  • Ubiquinone / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Ubiquinone
  • coenzyme Q10