Complementary Therapies for the Reduction of Side Effects During Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

patients were randomized to receive: (a) individual nutrition consultation with recommendations for physical activity before or on the first day of chemotherapy together with daily oral medication consisting of selenium (sodium-selenit 100 microg/d), milk thistle (silibin 280 mg/d), goldenrod (solidago 1,680g/d) and pineapple enzyme (bromelaine 3.000 F.I.P. units/d) during the first three cycles till 3-5 weeks later, (b) individual nutrition consultation with recommendations for physical activity only and (c) a leaflet "5-a-day" for the control group.

Primary endpoint was the difference of the global health status from the EORTC QLQ-C30 before and 3-5 weeks after the third cycle of chemotherapy. Secondary endpoints were the other subscales of the EORTC QLQ C3o and BR 23 and anxiety and depression from the HADS-D.

Inclusion criteria

• Indication for chemotherapy for breast cancer for at least 3 cycles

Exclusion criteria

• Prior chemotherapy within 12 months
• use of herbal or nutritional supplements or other complementary or alternative medications ≥ 7 days prior to start of chemotherapy and during the trial
• allergy to study medication
• Selenium intoxication
• Current use of cumarins or other medication influencing the coagulation system
• Edema in case of impaired cardial or renal function
• Other severe medical condition
• Psychiatric or central neurological disorders
• Regular fluid intake < 2000 ml per day