Opinion of Hungarian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons on the justification of supportive treatment (wheat germ) of patients with tumorous diseases of the oral cavity.
Barabás J, Német Z. Orv Hetil. (2006):147(35):1709-11. PDF
For patients suffering from malignant head- and neck tumors, Avemar (wheat germ) increases the therapeutic effects of both chemo- and radio-therapy, while significantly reducing side effects. Appetite is also improved.
The Association published its opinion thus:
For patients suffering from head- and neck tumors – primarily malignant tumorous diseases of the oral cavity, the progression of the disease can be slowed significantly by the long-term application of the supplementary formula Avemar. The favourable clinical effects of the formula can be contributed to the induction of cell death, the inhibition of certain enzymes (transcetolase, ribonucleotide-reductase, several types of kinase and the cyclooxygenases), the activation of natural killer cells, as well as the induction of the intracellular adhesion molecule expression. Clinical studies with the supportive application of Avemar have been conducted in patients suffering from colorectal cancer, malignant melanoma, lung cancer, pediatric solid tumorous diseases, and head and neck cancers.
Three clinical studies have been conducted with Avemar in the supportive treatment of head-, cervical-and oral cavity cancers. Avemar increased the therapeutic effects of both chemo- and radio-therapy, while significantly reducing the side effects. The appetite of patients taking Avemar improved, and the body weight increased of cachectic patients (those suffering physical wasting away). They regained their general condition and physical strength (Quality of Life). No side effects were observed in relationship with the application of the formula.
One of these studies was short term and of an open, controlled, multicentre type in 5 centres in Italy. The effect of supplemental Avemar formula was assessed, administered for 60 days, on the quality of life and oxidative stress of patients with advanced (stage III-IV) head-neck tumors. Fifty five patients who had undergone surgery participated in the study. The investigators established that the treatment is safe on the one hand, and it is of key importance in the complex treatment of patients with advanced or terminal stage head-neck tumors. Also, the oxidative stress load (the level of hydroperoxides in the circulation) had significantly decreased by the application of Avemar.