Beta-carotene Secure to Use During Radiation Therapy

Despite past security challenges, the antioxidant supplement beta-carotene, is safe for use during radiation therapy treatment options for prostate cancer and it doesn't increase the danger of prostate cancer demise or metastases, in accordance with a study within the May issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics, the official science journal of a typical American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

Using vitamin supplements and natural antioxidants is common. However, the safety when using antioxidant supplements during radiation therapies for prostate cancer is controversial. Radiation therapy treatment relies upon the pro-oxidant effects of DNA, which generally involves damaging tumor cells whereas leaving normal cells unhurt. However, some scientists have advised that supplemental natural antioxidants may weaken the oxidizing results of radiation and possibly lead to cancer breakouts.

In the leading study to date of its kind, scientists followed 383 prostate cancer affected individuals who were randomized to obtain beta-carotene or placebo to see if antioxidants may potentially neutralize the pro-oxidant results of radiation therapy and boost an individual's exposure to death or metastases. The chief endpoint was prostate cancer demise or bone metastases. Scientists found no significant distinctions in lethal outcomes among the many affected individuals who took the antioxidant beta-carotene versus individuals who do not.