Coenzyme Q10 with Abraxane?

[chrislmelb]

Hi there, i am just wondering ifi should take the two together? I looked at MSK website and they suggested not to as COQ10 is an anti oxidant. Ideas?
Thanks

['lizbeth]

I took CoQ10 to help protect from the cardiotoxicity of Herceptin. I think there are differing opinions on antioxidants. I found this information on the National Cancer Institute.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/coenzymeQ10/patient/page1

Overview



Coenzyme Q (http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=346488&version=Patient&language=English) 10 is a compound (http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=422394&version=Patient&language=English) that is made naturally in the body. The body uses it for cell (http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=46476&version=Patient&language=English) growth and to protect cells from damage that could lead to cancer (http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=45333&version=Patient&language=English) (see Question 1 (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/coenzymeQ10/patient/Page2#Section_20)).
Animal studies (http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=454774&version=Patient&language=English) have shown that coenzyme Q10 helps the immune system (http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=46356&version=Patient&language=English) work better and makes the body better able to resist certain infections (http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=45364&version=Patient&language=English) and types of cancer (see Question 5 (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/coenzymeQ10/patient/Page2#Section_23)).
Clinical trials (http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=45961&version=Patient&language=English) have shown that coenzyme Q10 helps protect the heart from the damaging side effects (http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=46580&version=Patient&language=English) of doxorubicin, (http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=45140&version=Patient&language=English) a drug (http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=348921&version=Patient&language=English) used to treat cancer (see Question 6 (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/coenzymeQ10/patient/Page2#Section_24)).
In 3 small studies (http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=44195&version=Patient&language=English) of coenzyme Q10 in breast cancer (http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=444971&version=Patient&language=English) patients, some patients appeared to be helped by the treatment. Weaknesses in study design and reporting, however, made it unclear if benefits were caused by the coenzyme Q10 or by something else (see Question 6 (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/coenzymeQ10/patient/Page2#Section_24)).
Coenzyme Q10 may not mix safely with other treatments. It is important that patients tell their health care providers about all therapies (http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=44737&version=Patient&language=English) they are currently using or thinking of using (see Question 7 (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/coenzymeQ10/patient/Page2#Section_25)).
Coenzyme Q10 has not been carefully tested in combination with chemotherapy (http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=45214&version=Patient&language=English) to see if it is safe and effective. Because coenzyme Q10 is sold as a dietary supplement (http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=373932&version=Patient&language=English) rather than a drug, it is not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=454785&version=Patient&language=English) (see Question 8 (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/coenzymeQ10/patient/Page2#Section_26)).

[Mandamoo]

Chris - I was given the ok to use it when on the Bolero trial. My onc is ok with most complementary therapies so long as it is not mega doses - like intravenous C.

[chrislmelb]

Thanks 'lizbeth and Mandamoo.

[Bunty]

I took COQ10 when on Abraxane (and Herceptin). No problems for me!
Cheers