Impact of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy on Antioxidants in Breast Cancer
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Effect on Antioxidant Levels in Patients of Breast Carcinoma during Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Mastectomy
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:
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Gurpreet Singh, SK Maulik, Amardeep Jaiswal, Pratik Kumar, Rajinder Parshad
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Effect on Antioxidant Levels in Patients of Breast Carcinoma during Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Mastectomy
Year: 2010
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women in India. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of various antioxidants—specifically, red blood cell (RBC) superoxide dismutase (r-SOD), RBC catalase (r-CAT), RBC glutathione peroxidase (r-GPx), and the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP)—in advanced breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy following a mastectomy. The research was conducted at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, focusing on adult females between the ages of 27 and 65.
Impact of Chemotherapy on Antioxidant Levels
The study involved two groups: a control group of healthy females and a patient group receiving chemotherapy with a combination of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and 5-fluorouracil (CAF). Blood samples were collected from both groups at various points: at baseline, before treatment at week zero, and again at weeks 12, 18, and post-treatment at week 26. Findings revealed that the levels of r-SOD, r-CAT, r-GPx, and FRAP in the CAF-treated patients significantly decreased at weeks 12, 18, and 26 when compared to baseline levels, indicating a detrimental effect of chemotherapy on these antioxidant parameters.
Conclusion
This study highlights the significant reduction in key antioxidant levels in breast cancer patients undergoing CAF chemotherapy, suggesting that the treatment may compromise antioxidant defenses in these individuals. These findings underline the potential need for adjunctive therapies aimed at preserving or enhancing antioxidant levels during chemotherapy treatment to improve overall outcomes for patients battling advanced breast cancer.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the aim of the breast cancer study conducted in India?
The study aimed to assess levels of red blood cell superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and ferric reducing ability in advanced breast cancer patients post-mastectomy before and after chemotherapy.
Who were the participants in the breast cancer study?
Participants included female breast cancer patients aged 27 to 65 who were admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, alongside a control group of 20 healthy age-matched females not receiving treatment.
What treatment did the breast cancer patients in the study receive?
The patients underwent a combination treatment of the anticancer drugs cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and 5-fluorouracil (CAF) across multiple cycles, followed by surgery and additional treatment.
What were the findings regarding antioxidant levels in the CAF group?
The study found that levels of red blood cell superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and ferric reducing ability were significantly decreased in CAF-treated patients at weeks 12, 18, and 26.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Impact of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy on Antioxidants in Breast Cancer”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Cancer:
Cancer refers to a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. In the context of this study, breast cancer is highlighted as the most prevalent cancer among Indian women, emphasizing the need for research on its biological markers and treatment outcomes to improve patient care and survival rates.
2) Drug:
In this study, drugs refer to the anticancer agents used in the treatment of breast cancer patients. Specifically, the combination of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and 5-fluorouracil (CAF) was administered, illustrating the importance of pharmacological interventions in reducing tumor burden and improving patient health during chemotherapy courses.
3) Blood:
Blood is a vital fluid in the human body that carries cells, nutrients, hormones, and waste products. This study analyses blood samples to measure levels of endogenous antioxidants, critical in assessing the oxidative stress encountered by patients undergoing chemotherapy, thereby guiding potential therapeutic strategies and monitoring treatment efficacy.
4) Study (Studying):
The study is a systematic investigation designed to assess biochemical parameters in breast cancer patients before and after chemotherapy. It provides valuable insights into the effect of treatment on antioxidant levels and overall health, contributing to a deeper understanding of the disease process and paving the way for better management strategies.
5) New Delhi:
New Delhi, as the capital of India, is the site of the research conducted at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. The location emphasizes the relevance of the study within the Indian healthcare context and underlines the necessity for localized research to address specific health challenges faced by populations in the region.
6) Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is a cornerstone treatment modality for cancer patients involving the use of chemical substances to kill or inhibit cancer cells. This study focuses on the impact of chemotherapy (CAF regimen) on key biomarkers, shedding light on how systemic treatment affects patient health and antioxidant defense mechanisms during and after therapy.
7) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic pursuit of knowledge through observation and experimentation. This study embodies scientific inquiry by exploring the relationships between cancer treatment, oxidative stress, and antioxidant levels, contributing to the broader scientific discourse on breast cancer management and informing future research directions in oncology.
8) Indian:
The term 'Indian' contextualizes the demographic focus of the study, centering on women in India who suffer from breast cancer. Recognizing cultural and ethnic variations in disease presentation and outcomes is crucial for developing effective treatments tailored to the specific needs and biological profiles of this population.
9) Delhi:
Delhi, which encompasses a diverse population, is significant for healthcare research due to its urban environment and varying healthcare access. The study, conducted in this metropolitan area, highlights the need for targeted cancer research that can yield results relevant to the urban Indian populace affected by breast cancer.
10) India:
India, as a developing country with a high incidence of breast cancer, presents unique challenges in cancer treatment, public health, and resource allocation. This study aids in identifying biomarkers essential for monitoring disease progression and treatment responses, thereby influencing clinical practices and health policy in the Indian context.
11) Post:
Post refers to the period after a specific event, here signifying the time after chemotherapy and surgery. It emphasizes the study's focus on assessing long-term effects of cancer treatments on patients’ antioxidant levels, improving understanding of recovery processes and enabling healthcare providers to optimize ongoing care and support.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Impact of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy on Antioxidants in Breast Cancer’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
New Delhi, Chemotherapy, Medical science, Indian women, Breast cancer, Drug treatment, Control group, Treatment group, 5-Fluorouracil, Significant decrease, Glutathione peroxidase, Superoxide dismutase, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Cancer patients, Breast cancer patients, Baseline Assessment, Ferric reducing ability of plasma, Red Blood Cell, Blood cell, Anticancer drug, Blood sample, FRAP, Department of Surgery, Advanced breast cancer, Significantly decreased, Endogenous antioxidant.