Earlier this year I published several posts regarding the real, although very limited, benefits of diet for mesothelioma. There's nothing to buy that would prevent this horrible form of cancer, although eating fresh vegetables seems to tie in to a reduction in the rate of development. More recently, the medical literature suggests that one B vitamin may at least make one form of chemo for mesothelioma less toxic.
Dr. H. L Kindler of the Hematology/Oncology Section at the University of Chicago Hospitals finds that medically supervised folic acid supplementation probably decreases the toxicity of pemetrexed (Alimta). The research absolutely, positively does not suggest that anyone taking pemetrexed should send someone running to the drugstore to pick up some vitamin B.
Pemetrexed works by interfering with the action of folic acid in cell multiplication, giving the body a chance to "catch up" with cancer cells through other immune mechanisms. Supplemental folic acid just ensures its availability in other metabolic processes. You don't want to take so much folic acid that you overwhelm the activity of the drug.
Folic acid is something you should take with vitamin B-12, and before chemotherapy, not during or after. Ask your physician to make sure you are getting any vitamin B supplements you may need if you take this drug.
You may also be interested in:
Asbestos, Diet, and Mesothelioma: Could Eating Right Prevent One of the Deadliest Cancers?
Is Remission from Mesothelioma Possible?
Mesothelioma Revisited
What About Nutritional Supplements for Mesothelioma?
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