Omega-3 fatty acids and cancer

Fish saves terminal cancer patient's life

Washington: A researcher at the University of Nevada has shown that omega-3 fatty acids, which are often found in fish oil or golden algae oil, can save the life of a terminal cancer patient. Acoording to a study, published in the recent issue of the Nutrition and Cancer journal, Ron Pardini, a professor of biochemistry and associate director of the Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station at the University of Nevada, successfully treated his 78-year-old cancer-stricken neighbour DH. And it was nutritional intervention, instead of chemotherapy or surgical excision, that helped in the treatment of D.H., who was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. The cancerous tumors found in D.H.'s lungs have shrunk to 10 percent of what they were in 2000, according to last year's computed tomography (CT) scans.

Pardini's previous research showed that omega-3 fatty acids significantly depressed the growth of human mammary, ovarian, colon, prostate and pancreatic cancer cells that were injected into athymic mice-also known as nude mice. So, he drastically increased D.H.'s intake of omega-3 fatty acids. "In 2000 he was told by his doctor he had only a few months to live. But five years later, he is still alive, and has even gained a little weight," said Pardini. While beginning to take high dose of fish oil and golden algae oil capsules daily, D.H. also reduced corn-based foods from his diet. Corn contains omega-6 fatty acids that are found to increase cancer growth. So far, though, most studies in this country are limited to animal models, but a case study about D.H. could be a major step forward for human clinical trials. Pardini is optimistic of what his findings may contribute to cancer treatment. "We have good evidence for employing nutritional interventions to improve cancer treatment and patient well-being," he said.
-Nov , 2005