Supplements Target Nutrient Depleted Cancer Patients

SANDPOINT, Id.Nutritional supplement maker Thorne Research Inc. and its pharmaceutical partner Helsinn Healthcare have launched the OncoQOL line of supplements, to help cancer patients address nutrition-related consequences of typical cancer treatment. According to the companies, OncoQOL products are made using pure, hypoallergenic, highly-absorbable nutrients. The launch also includes several personal care products to help with skin and hair concerns during cancer treatment.  This line, called DermaQOL, is are manufactured without the use of plasticizers, foaming agents, and preservatives.  Both lines are only available through oncologists and other medical providers in the United States and Canada.

While some of the ingredients in the lines have been studied for effects on cancer, the products not intended to treat or cure cancer, but instead are positioned as adjuncts to typical medical treatment of cancer. For many cancer patients the side effects of treatment have a significant impact on their health and quality of life, often making it difficult for them to continue with their therapy,"  said Sreenivas Rao, MD, an oncologist and president of OncoQOL. "Our products are designed to meet the unique needs of these patients and are manufactured with the essential levels of purity and consistency that are so important for this population.

Among the nutritional supplements in the OncoQOL line,   DaxibeQOL is a blend of branched-chain and other essential amino acids known to possibly promote anabolism, weight gain, lean muscle mass, and muscle strength; NutraQOL is a wheat germ extract that may reduce fatigue and helps improve social, physical, and emotional wellbeing; and MucosaQOL contains L-glutamine, an amino acid helpful to support healthy mucous membranes of the mouth and GI tract.

In the personal care line,  DermaQOL Lotion is a silicone-free and sulfate-free blend of unscented organic emollients to hydrate dry, rough skin; DermaQOL Shower Gel is an all-body wash and shampoo specially formulated for sensitive skin; and DermaQOL Cooling Aloe Spray is a moisturizer that provides cooling relief for irritated skin.

In our practice we see firsthand the challenges that patients face in managing the side effects of chemotherapy and trying to optimize their overall health and diet during treatment," said Lawrence Piro, MD, president and chief operating officer of The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute in Santa Monica, California. "A high fraction of patients take nutritional supplements during therapy, but many commercially available supplements are not designed for people with cancer.  Selecting products and managing combinations of supplements is very confusing to patients, and many interact negatively and unpredictably with their cancer treatment.  OncoQOL has prepared pure, high quality products designed with our patients specific needs in mind which reduces the confusion and apprehension of using supportive care products as part of the treatment program."