Grapefruit juice supports cancer therapy

Grapefruit juice supports cancer therapy

26/09/2012

For some cancer patients, a regular glass of grapefruit juice may help to reduce their drug doses and thus the side effects. In a study, American researchers investigated the interaction of food with a drug. The result: Grapefruit can make cancer drugs more effective.

The juice increases the bioavailability of the drug used in cancer patients sirolimus. The fruit juice inhibits enzymes in the intestine that normally break down these active ingredients. As a result, the agent stays longer in the body and the required dose is reduced to achieve the same effect. A glass daily increases the content of the drugs in the blood by up to 350 percent.

Normally, warn against the simultaneous use of certain medicines and grapefruit juice. The juice generally inhibits the uptake of substances, e.g. contained in some beta-blockers, and may lower the effect of the drug. In the case described above, the juice seems to have positive effects. Before patients, however, use the interaction in cancer drugs, they should consult their attending physician. (Pm)

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Picture: Rainer Sturm