HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Herb-Drug Interactions in Oncology: Focus on Mechanisms of Induction

Lolly · 12-02-2006, 07:21 PM

Yes, pretty technical, but I grasped enough to reaffirm my belief that while on chemo, it's best to discuss any supplements with one's onc. I was first made aware of the possible negative interactions of CAM's with anti-cancer therapy when starting radiation back in 2000. My rad onc told me that "although no hard data was available" there was enough anecdotal evidence emerging that he was advising his patients to forgo CAM's while in radiation treatment. I was somewhat shocked, as I had taken various CAM's throughout my chemotherapy for primary disease, and had no idea they might have been inhibiting the effects of the chemo. I thought they would have an additive effect! Since then, I've taken care to inform my onc of anything I'm taking in between treatments, and while on chemo I generally stop taking anything else, unless I've discusse such use with my onc and gotten the ok.

<3 Lolly

12-02-2006, 07:21 PM	#2
Lolly Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,756	Yes, pretty technical, but I grasped enough to reaffirm my belief that while on chemo, it's best to discuss any supplements with one's onc. I was first made aware of the possible negative interactions of CAM's with anti-cancer therapy when starting radiation back in 2000. My rad onc told me that "although no hard data was available" there was enough anecdotal evidence emerging that he was advising his patients to forgo CAM's while in radiation treatment. I was somewhat shocked, as I had taken various CAM's throughout my chemotherapy for primary disease, and had no idea they might have been inhibiting the effects of the chemo. I thought they would have an additive effect! Since then, I've taken care to inform my onc of anything I'm taking in between treatments, and while on chemo I generally stop taking anything else, unless I've discusse such use with my onc and gotten the ok. <3 Lolly __________________ Sept.'99 - Dx.Stage IIIB, IDC ER/PR-, HER2+++ by IHC, confirmed '04 by FISH. Left MRM, AC x's 4, Taxol x's 4, 33 Rads, finishing Tx May 2000. Jan.'01 - local/regional recurrence, Stage IV. Herceptin/Navelbine weekly till NED August 2001, then maintenance Herceptin. Right Mast. April 2002. Local/Regional recurrence April '04, Herceptin plus/minus chemo until May '07. Gemzar added from Feb.'07-April '07; Tykerb/Abraxane until August '07, back on Herceptin plus Taxotere and Xeloda Sept. '07. Stopped T/X Nov. '07, stopped Herceptin Dec. '07, started Avastin/Taxol/Carboplatin Dec. '07. Progression in chest skin, stopped TAC March '03, started radiation. Herceptin has served as the "Backbone" of my treatment strategy for over 6 years, giving me great quality of life. In 2005, I was privileged to participate in the University of Washington/Seattle HER2 Vaccine Trial.