Coenzyme Q10 (PDQ®)
Cancer Information Summaries « English « Patients « C
Overview
- Coenzyme Q 10is a compound that is made naturally in the body. The body uses it for cell growth and to protect cells from damage that could lead to cancer (see Question 1 ).
- Animal studies have shown that coenzyme Q 10helps the immune system work better and makes the body better able to resist certain infections and types of cancer (see Question 5 ).
- Clinical trials have shown that coenzyme Q 10helps protect the heart from the damaging side effects of doxorubicin, a drug used to treat cancer (see Question 6 ).
- In 3 small studies of coenzyme Q 10in breast cancer 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 Q 10or by something else (see Question 6 ).
- Coenzyme Q 10may not mix safely with other treatments. It is important that patients tell their health care providers about all therapies they are currently using or thinking of using (see Question 7 ).
- Coenzyme Q 10has not been carefully tested in combination with chemotherapy to see if it is safe and effective. Because coenzyme Q 10is sold as a dietary supplement rather than a drug, it is not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (see Question 8 ).
This record was last updated on September 29th, 2008.
About the PDQ Cancer Information Summaries from the National Cancer Institute
PDQ (Physician Data Query) is a comprehensive cancer database published by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It contains peer-reviewed summaries on cancer treatment, screening, prevention, genetics, and supportive care, and complementary and alternative medicine; a registry of cancer clinical trials; and directories of physicians, professionals who provide genetics services, and organizations that provide cancer care.
The PDQ Cancer Information Summaries are peer reviewed and updated monthly by six editorial boards comprised of specialists in adult treatment, pediatric treatment, supportive care, screening and prevention, genetics, and complementary and alternative medicine. The Boards review current literature from more than 70 biomedical journals, evaluate its relevance, and synthesize it into clear summaries. Many of the summaries are also available in Spanish.
Linked medical terms appearing on this page are added by Healia to help readers find more information and are not part of the original PDQ document.