The purpose of this blog is to share experiences of individuals that have been diagnosed with cancer and have consumed omega-3 fatty acids during the course of their treatment. There is considerable experimental laboratory evidence published in the scientific literature that implicates consumption of marine sources of omega-3 fatty acids in decreasing tumor growth, increasing response to chemotherapy, decreasing side effects of chemotherapy, decreasing metastasis and decreasing the body weight loss associated with cancer. These findings are from laboratory animal research or cell culture, and although they are convincing, the omega-3 effects on tumor growth and response to treatment have not been proven in human clinical trials. There is a case report published in Nutrition and Cancer journal that describes a potential response to a rare form of lung cancer from nutritional intervention with omega-3 fatty acids from fish and algae oils, namely DHA and EPA. A 78 year old man was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2000 and altered his diet to increase the intake of omega-3 fatty acids from fish and algae oil and decrease omega-6 fatty acid consumption from corn oil. In four years on this omega-3 fatty acid diet, the patient’s lung tumors shrunk 90% after six years CT scans reveal further decreases in the lung tumors. If you have had an experience or know of someone who has with omega-3 fatty acid nutrition in the treatment of cancer feel free to comment.
Omega-3 fatty acids are a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids that have a double bond in the omega-3 position of the fatty acid (tail end of the fatty acid). Rich dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flax, walnuts and lingonberry for ALA and fish and algae for EPA and DHA. Higher levels of EPA and DHA may be obtained from capsules. Research has shown that the principle omega-3 fatty acids that possess anti-carcinogenic activity are EPA and DHA.
Support
The Cancer Research Laboratory receives support from the State of Nevada through the Allie M. Lee Cancer Research Fund. Significant support is also received from private donors, memorial funds and the successful fund-raising efforts of civic groups like the Grand Chapter of Nevada, Order of the Eastern Star and the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. All private monies donated to the Cancer Research Laboratory are unique in that they go directly to research. No administrative or overhead costs are deducted. This assures that private donations are used in their entirety in the fight against cancer.
The Facility
The Cancer Research Laboratory and Reno Cancer Center Athymic "nude" Mouse Facility is located in the Howard Medical Sciences Building at the University of Nevada, Reno. This modern facility is housed in the Department of Biochemistry at the School of Medicine Complex provides an educational environment where research professors, lab technicians, post-doctoral fellows and students work together utilizing established pre-clinical models to solve problems in cancer research.
Gifts
All donations to the Cancer Research Laboratory are used in their entirety for research to further the treatment of cancer. No administrative or overhead costs are deducted. Contributions to the Cancer Research Laboratory are tax deductible to the extent authorized by law and can be sent to:
University of Nevada, Reno
Foundation/162
Cancer Research Gifts
Reno, NV 89557
Make checks payable to:
Board of Regents: Cancer Gifts Acct # 1301-152-0020
Acknowledgments of memorial gifts to the surviving parties will be made at the request of the donor.