Sorry to come in late on this conversation. I usually stay in the "Diet and Nutrition" section only but would like to comment on this thread.
Generally speaking, the chemotherapy/cancer treatment agents we are most careful with in regards to antioxidants are those that produce free radicals. I am pasting a chart below.
Table 1: Chemotherapeutic Agents Producing Free Radicals- Alkylating agents
cisplatin (Platinol®)
carboplarin (Paraplatin®)
chlorambucil (Leukeran®)
carmustine (BiCNU®)
cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan®)
busulfan (Myleran®)
ifosfamide (Ifex®)
- Anthracyclines
doxorubicin (Adriamycin®, Doxil®)
daunorubicin (Cerubidine®)
epirubicin (Ellence®)
Mitomycin (Mutamycin®)
BIeomycin (Bleoxane®)
- Podophyllum agents
etoposide(VP-I6, Vespid®)
teniposide (Vumon®)
Some evidence demonstrates that high dose antioxidants (amount in diet is usually much lower and safe with treatment) may make treatment less effective.
Herceptin does not fall into these categories. I am generally cautious with my patients and recommend they get their antioxidants from food. I often recommend an Omega-3 supplement, calcium and vitamin D which all appear safe in combination with Herceptin.
Hope this is helpful.
Tanya
(Registered Dietitian)