Efficacy of IP6 + inositol in the treatment of breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: prospective, randomized, pilot clinical study.

Plain Language Summary

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, ionising radiation, hormone therapy and supportive measures that aim to reduce the side effects of treatment. Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) is a naturally occurring compound which is important in regulating vital cellular functions and has been shown to have anticancer properties. The aim of this randomised, controlled pilot study was to evaluate if the combination of IP6+Inositol alongside traditional chemotherapy will increase efficacy and decrease side effects of chemotherapy, and improve the quality of life. 14 breast cancer patients were randomised to receive either IP6+inositol or vitamin C (control, amount not reported) for 6 months during chemotherapy. Patients receiving IP6+inositol had significantly better quality of life and functional status and significantly less side effects than the control group. Unlike the control group, patients on IP6+inositol had no drop in white blood cells and platelets (common side effects of chemotherapy). There was no difference in other blood tests and tumour markers between the groups. The authors conclude that IP6+ Inositol, used as an adjunctive therapy, may help ameliorating side effects of chemotherapy and preserve quality of life in breast cancer patients.