Omega-3 and Omega-6 Boost Breast Cancer Treatment Reported December 13, 2004 By Julie Monheim, Ivanhoe Health Correspondent A new study shows a diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may enhance response to the drug tamoxifen in breast cancer patients. Tamoxifen resistance is the underlying cause of treatment failure in many patients with breast cancer. Researchers from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio studied mice to determine the effects of a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids. The animals were divided into four groups. The first received a diet rich in omega-6 fatty acids with a placebo. The second received a diet rich in omega-6 fatty acids along with the drug tamoxifen. The third received a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids along with a placebo. The fourth received a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids along with tamoxifen treatment. Results show animals that received a diet rich in omega-6 fatty acids and tamoxifen had a 66-percent tumor growth inhibition when compared to those on placebo. Mice on the diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and a placebo had about a 48-percent tumor growth inhibition. Those that received a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids along with tamoxifen had a nearly 80-percent tumor growth inhibition. Authors of the study conclude, “These results have significant clinical implications, suggesting that dietary interventions could be effective at enhancing therapeutic response to a subset of breast cancer tumors resistant to endocrine therapy due to aberrant growth factor signaling.” This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/. SOURCE: Julie Monheim at the 27th annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium in San Antonio, Dec. 8-11, 2004 http://www.ivanhoe.com/channels/p_channelstory.cfm?storyid=10134 Our source: Breast Cancer News is brought to you by BREAST CANCER OPTIONS, a grassroots organization focusing on Health Advocacy, Support and Education. The information is intended for educational purposes only, in order to help you make informed health choices and may not have been touched upon by your doctors. We are not doctors and we do not recommend any particular treatments. 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.