Positive Health Online
Your Country
![[Image: http://www.abundanceandhealth.co.uk]](/img/original/BannerAvatar/2836.df7d2315253110ff5b3a566f94871f99.jpg "http://www.abundanceandhealth.co.uk")
![[Image: http://www.balens.co.uk]](/img/original/BannerAvatar/2148.50367fa908013fae0a7f1a171543ef92.jpg "http://www.balens.co.uk")
![[Image: https://www.water-for-health.co.uk/]](/img/original/BannerAvatar/4046.12831f50177f8848ee87b8e94411d6b3.jpg "https://www.water-for-health.co.uk/")
![[Image: http://www.drsgoodman.com/books-goodman/52-nutrition-and-cancer]](/img/original/BannerAvatar/1859.1296090fd8385e7ceff51c8011559097.jpg "http://www.drsgoodman.com/books-goodman/52-nutrition-and-cancer")
Research: CLERICI and co-workers,
Listed in Issue 106
Abstract
CLERICI and co-workers, Clinic of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Perugia, Italy, clerici@unipg.it, have tested the treatment of liver cancer with all-trans-retinoic acid plus tamoxifen and vitamin E.
Background
Low serum retinol and vitamin E levels are associated with the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, it has been found that the antioestrogen drug, tamoxifen, seems to benefit these patients. This study was aimed to assess a combination therapy with these drugs.
Methodology
15 patients with advanced liver carcinoma were treated with a combination if retinoic acid, vitamin E and tamoxifen. They were evaluated for survival time, quality of life, liver function, tumour mass, toxicity related to the treatment and retinoid receptors in liver biopsies.
Results
The median survival time of these patients was 22 months. Pain and asthenia were improved by the treatment in the majority of patients. All patients showed an improvement in liver function. Retinoid receptors in the liver were increased.
Conclusion
A combination therapy with all-trans retinoic acid, tamoxifen and vitamin E increases the survival rate and ameliorates clinical outcomes in patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma.
References
Clerici C, Castellano D, Russo G, Fiorucci S, Sabatino G, Giuliano V, Gentili G, Morelli O, Raffo P, Baldoni M, Morelli A, Toma S. Treatment with all-trans retinoic acid plus tamoxifen and vitamin E in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Anticancer Research 24 (2C): 1255-1260, Mar-Apr 2004.
