L-Arginine Supplementation in Breast Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): J. Brittenden, S.D. Heys, I. Miller, T.K. Sarkar, A.W. Hutcheon, G. Needham, F. Gilbert, M. McKean, A.K. Ah-Seel, O. Eremin
Primary Institution: University of Aberdeen, UK
Hypothesis
Can dietary supplementation with L-arginine improve the response of large breast cancers to chemotherapy?
Conclusion
The study found that L-arginine supplementation led to high clinical response rates in patients with large breast cancers undergoing chemotherapy.
Supporting Evidence
- 95% of patients had a clinical response after treatment.
- 30% achieved a complete response and 65% a partial response.
- Imaging showed response rates of 91% and 76% for ultrasound and mammography respectively.
- Histological examination revealed no residual evidence of tumor in 18% of cases.
Takeaway
Giving patients with large breast cancer a special nutrient called L-arginine before chemotherapy helped them respond better to the treatment.
Methodology
Patients received L-arginine 30 g/day for 3 days before each cycle of CHOP chemotherapy, followed by radiotherapy.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the lack of a control group and the subjective nature of some assessments.
Limitations
The study was a pilot and had a small sample size, limiting the generalizability of the results.
Participant Demographics
Patients were aged 31-73 years, with a median age of 53; 19 were premenopausal and 25 post-menopausal.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI for response rate 81-97%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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