Potential interactions of prescription and over‐the‐counter medications having antioxidant capabilities with radiation and chemotherapy

Abstract

Oncology patients undergoing radiation treatment and chemotherapy routinely use prescription and/or over‐the counter medications either as part of pre‐existing comorbid conditions or in the context of conventional treatment management. A growing amount of data suggest that commonly used pharmaceuticals possess antioxidant properties, which may also partially explain some of their therapeutic efficacy. Clinical research is continuing on how such agents interact during chemotherapy and radiation when oxidative mechanisms of action are involved. Historically, such discussions centered on the category of dietary supplements, natural health products, fruits and vegetables, along with established protectant medications. Evidence confirms that some pharmaceutical agents exhibit antioxidant properties similar to dietary supplements, protectants, and may hence hinder the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Awareness by both healthcare providers and patients in this area is often lacking. After reviewing some of the more common and well‐established pharmaceuticals, which include those prescribed during cancer treatment, caution needs to be advised especially in regards to the use of corticosteroids, as long‐term randomized outcome studies ensuring safety in this area are still outstanding.

Biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles using Allium noeanum Reut. ex Regel leaves aqueous extract; characterization and analysis of their cytotoxicity, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties

“…Antioxidants are compounds that can inhibit the production of prooxidants and radicals, neutralize the free radicals, and prevent illnesses consequently. At the presence of these compounds, oxidation of material is delayed or inhibited . Antioxidants inhibit the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by various methods such as bonding to metals or enzymatic method .…”

“…At the presence of these compounds, oxidation of material is delayed or inhibited . Antioxidants inhibit the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by various methods such as bonding to metals or enzymatic method . Recent research has shown that nanoparticles derived from metals are rich in antioxidants and can be used for the elimination of free radicals .…”

Synthesis of titanium nanoparticles using Allium eriophyllum Boiss aqueous extract by green synthesis method and evaluation of their remedial properties

“…Antioxidants are compounds that can inhibit the production of pro‐oxidants and radicals, neutralize free radicals and prevent illnesses consequently . They inhibit the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by various methods such as bonding to metals or enzymatic method . In the presence of these compounds, oxidation of material is delayed or inhibited.…”

“…neutrophils, macrophages and lymphocytes, migrate to the wound site after angiogenesis . Neutrophils contribute to the acceleration of the inflammatory response by releasing some chemotoxic factors to absorb other leucocytes . Macrophages contribute to the localization of inflammation process and absorption of fibroblasts to initiate proliferation by releasing some chemotoxic factors .…”

Adapting Cognitive-Behavior Therapy for Insomnia in Cancer Patients

“…Despite known side effects, a goal of short-term use, and potential for interactions with cancer-directed therapies, [29][30][31][32] prescription and over-the-counter medications for insomnia are likely to be the most commonly dispensed form of treatment. Estimates vary, with between 20-50% of cancer patients taking some form of pharmacotherapy for their sleep problems.…”