ABSTRACT: Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Augment Cancer Therapy
    [01/08/2003; Nutrition]

The results of animal studies have demonstrated that the consumption
of omega-3 fatty acids can slow the growth of cancer xenografts,
increase the efficacy of chemotherapy and reduce the side effects
of the chemotherapy or of the cancer. Molecular mechanisms postulated
to contribute to the multiple benefits of omega-3 fatty acids
include 1) suppressing the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in
tumors, thus decreasing proliferation of cancer cells and reducing
angiogenesis in the tumor; 2) decreasing the expression of AP-1
and ras, two oncogenes implicated in tumor promotion; 3) inducing
differentiation of cancer cells; 4) suppressing nuclear factor-B
activation and bcl-2 expression, thus allowing apoptosis of cancer
cells; and 5) reducing cancer-induced cachexia. It seems reasonable
to assume that after appropriate cancer therapy, consumption
of omega-3 fatty acids might slow or stop the growth of metastatic
cancer cells, increase longevity of cancer patients and improve
their quality of life. 

The full article can be found at:

http://www.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/132/11/3508S