From the Guidelines
Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10) can be used in cancer patients to help manage side effects of certain chemotherapy drugs, but its use should be guided by an oncologist due to potential interactions with chemotherapy or radiation therapy 1.
Key Considerations
- The use of ubiquinone in cancer patients is supported by its potential to reduce cardiac toxicity associated with anthracycline chemotherapies like doxorubicin, with typical dosages ranging from 100-400 mg daily in divided doses.
- Cancer patients should start with lower doses (around 100 mg daily) and increase gradually as needed, taking the supplement with food to improve absorption.
- Despite its potential benefits, ubiquinone is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects, but patients should consult their oncologist before starting supplementation due to theoretical concerns about interference with certain chemotherapy drugs or radiation therapy by acting as an antioxidant.
Clinical Context
- The rationale for using ubiquinone is based on its support of mitochondrial function and energy production, which can be compromised during cancer treatment, and its potential to protect healthy cells from oxidative damage caused by cancer therapies.
- Some patients report improvements in fatigue and overall quality of life when taking ubiquinone during treatment, aligning with the goal of improving quality of life in cancer care 1.
- However, the use of dietary supplements like ubiquinone during cancer treatment remains controversial, with most cancer experts advising against taking higher doses of supplements with antioxidant activity during treatment due to the potential for interfering with the effectiveness of therapies like radiotherapy and chemotherapy 1.
Guidance
- Given the uncertainty and potential for both benefit and harm, cancer survivors receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy should avoid exceeding more than 100% of the daily value for antioxidant supplements, and ideally, consult with their healthcare provider before starting any supplementation regimen 1.
- Healthcare providers can offer support by empathetically listening to, and engaging with, individuals about their care goals and objectives, sharing information about conventional treatment advances, validating their desire to regain control of their health, and discussing what they may be already pursuing, such as healthy eating and physical activity 1.
From the Research
Use of Ubiquinone in Cancer Patients
- Ubiquinone, also known as Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), has been studied for its potential to improve the tolerability of cancer treatments and prevent cardiotoxicity in cancer patients 2, 3.
- Some studies suggest that CoQ10 may provide protection against cardiotoxicity or liver toxicity during cancer treatment, but the results are not conclusive due to inadequate reporting and analysis 2.
- CoQ10 has been shown to have no effect on the ability of doxorubicin to induce apoptosis or inhibit growth or colony formation in breast cancer cell lines, suggesting that it may not diminish the antineoplastic effects of doxorubicin therapy 4.
- Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that CoQ10 can prevent anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity and may even enhance the anticancer effects of anthracyclines 3.
- CoQ10 supplementation has been proposed as a preventive and therapeutic agent for the treatment of cancers, with potential mechanisms including the reduction of oxidative stress 5, 6.
- The use of CoQ10 as an adjuvant therapy may offer progress in the elimination and development of cancers, but further research is needed to standardize the current regimen for cancer prevention and treatment 5.