Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) has some scientific basis for use in cancer treatment, primarily as an adjunct to reduce treatment side effects rather than as a direct anticancer agent. NAC is a precursor to glutathione, an important intracellular antioxidant. During chemotherapy and radiation, oxidative stress increases and can lead to tissue damage and side effects such as mucositis, nephrotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity. Several small clinical trials and preclinical studies have explored NAC’s potential to mitigate these effects. For example, NAC has shown some benefit in reducing cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and ifosfamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis. Additionally, it may help with oral mucositis in patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer. However, results are mixed, and some studies raise concerns that strong antioxidants like NAC could potentially interfere with the efficacy of chemotherapy or radiotherapy by protecting cancer cells as well as normal cells. Major oncology guidelines do not routinely recommend NAC for this purpose due to insufficient large-scale evidence and potential risks. In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and preliminary clinical support for NAC’s use in reducing certain cancer treatment side effects, the evidence is limited and not yet robust enough for widespread endorsement. Patients should discuss NAC use with their oncology team before considering it during cancer therapy.

More about N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
More about Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)

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