A coenzyme helps an enzyme do its work.

This enzyme, coenzyme Q10 is found in your body

already. It is used as an antioxidant to protect cells from the free radicals being made in your body.

Dietary supplements like coenzyme Q10 are alternatives therapies that are aimed at reducing tumor

burden and prolonging life in cancer patients. One important idea to understand is that alternative

cancer treatments like dietary supplements are not replacements for mainstream therapy. This

particular supplement has been promoted to improve tolerance for chemotherapy for those undergoing

cancer treatments. There are a few clinical trials that have been carried out in patients with cancer.

Additionally, this supplement has antioxidant activity that can interfere with chemotherapy drugs and

radiation therapy. No studies support or give definitive evidence in the treatment or curative effects of

Co Q10.

Resources

1. UpToDate
a. Assessment
i. Dietary supplements like coenzyme Q10 are alternatives therapies that are
aimed at reducing tumor burden and prolonging life in cancer patients. One
important idea to understand is that alternative cancer treatment like dietary
supplements are not replacements for mainstream therapy. This particular
supplement has been promoted to improve tolerance for chemotherapy for
those undergoing cancer treatments. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial
done in patients with breast cancer found no benefits from using coenzyme Q10
related to fatigue. Several randomized studies have also shown some
cardioprotective effects of coenzyme Q10.
b. Quality: This resource is a valuable resource. The study did not show any biases and the
information retrieved from the study is evidence based. This study is objective and the
results have been reflected accurately.

2. Role of coenzymes in cancer metabolism (Article)

a. Assessment
i. This study evaluates the role of coenzymes in cancer metabolism and the
mutations among metabolic enzymes in different cancer tumor cells. Most
enzymes are regulated by coenzymes and organic factors. Although most of the
studies done in this article showed promising and positive outcomes, the results
are not consistent. Some of the results also conflict each other. The role of
cofactors is not well understood in the scientific world. More research is needed
 to resolve the coenzyme pathways and understand the therapeutic effects for
cancer.
b. Quality: This resource uses both humans and animals to assess the data on the effects of
CoQ10. This is UpToDate research that was conducted in 2019. Slight selection biases
were involved, however the researcher stated that many studies were inconclusive and
more research is needed to understand the benefits and risks of using CoQ10.

3. Coenzyme Q10 (National Cancer Institute)

a. Assessment
i. This article is available to anyone who researches this supplement. It has found
that very few studies have been done in cancer patients to understand the
effects of CoQ10. One trial used 236 breast cancer patients and randomized
them to receive a placebo or CoQ10. This study showed that fatigue was not
improved in the patients that received the supplement. A second randomized
trial of 20 children with leukemia or non-Hodgkin lymphoma assessed the
protective qualities of this supplement. The results showed that coenzyme Q10
had protective cardiovascular effects. Patients were only followed for a short
period of time. Also, too few participants were used in these studies.
b. Quality
i. The research of the quality is good. However, it does not state if the patients
were from the same general population, which may lead to a selection bias. The
second study used a small number of individuals which also reveals a selection
bias.

4. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

a. Assessment
i. This website is published by a cancer center that has firsthand cared for and
treated cancer patients. Regarding prevention and treatment of cancer, only a
few cases report remission of breast cancer when treated with high doses of
CoQ10, however this is not sufficient evidence to support use. This website also
talks about how the absorption of oral coenzyme Q10 is low through the
intestine.
b. Quality
i. The quality of this website seemed really good. When first accessing this
information, there is a disclaimer included that this information should not be
used as a substitute for medical advice. It also clarifies that statements have
bene made regarding products that have not been evaluated by the FDA. This
website also reports results of several previous studies with clinical significance.
 References

1. UpToDate. Uptodate.com. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/complementary-and-

alternative-therapies-for-cancer#!. Published 2020. Accessed October 15, 2020.
2. Thapa M, Dallmann G. Role of coenzymes in cancer metabolism. ScienceDirect.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.05.027
3. Coenzyme Q10 (PDQ®)–Patient Version. National Cancer Institute.
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/coenzyme-q10-pdq. Published
2020. Accessed October 15, 2020.
4. Coenzyme Q10. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-
care/integrative-medicine/herbs/coenzyme-q10. Published 2020. Accessed October 15, 2020.