Conclusion Frequently, the effects of using antioxidants concurrent with chemotherapy and radiation are synergistic. Except for three specific interactions outlined above (flavonoids with tamoxifen, NAC with doxorubicin, and beta-carotene with 5-fluorouracil), there is no evidence to date showing that natural antioxidants interfere with conventional cancer therapeutics in vivo. It has been shown in two separate in vitro studies that NAC inhibits the cytotoxic activity of cisplatin.138,139 NAC may have a role, however, in the reversal of renal toxicity due to cisplatin.140 Other than use in salvage therapy, the combination of cisplatin and NAC should also probably be avoided at this time. Studies have shown patients treated with antioxidants, with or without chemotherapy and radiation, have many benefits. Patients have been noted to tolerate standard treatment better, experience less weight loss, have a better quality of life, and most importantly, live longer than patients receiving no supplements. It is time to research the role of these agents in conventional oncologic treatment, rather than dismiss them as a class based on theoretical concerns. Antioxidants in Cancer Therapy; Their Actions and Interactions With Oncologic Therapies Davis W. Lamson, MS, ND and Matthew S. Brignall, ND Alternative Medicine Reviews, 1999;4(5):304-329 The authors wish to thank the Smiling Dog Foundation for financial support of this project and to Bastyr University for its administration. Ann's NOTE: We want to thank the Robert Karjala and Arnold Gore for this information. Alternative Medicine Reviews, 1999;4(5):304-329 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.