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Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as ubiquinone, is produced by and found in all cells of the body. Its main job is to transform food into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy on which the body runs. Levels of CoQ10 decline with age and are low in some people who have chronic diseases, such as heart conditions, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and cancer. Some research indicates it can be beneficial for people who have congestive heart failure. (Molyneux 2009)
A limited number of studies have been done using coenzyme Q10 in cancer. Many of the reports are related to the work of Karl Folkers, PhD, a biochemist who discovered vitamin B12 and who had a deep interest in CoQ10 and its use in treating cancer. His research inspired others to use the nutrient in the treatment of different types of cancer, including prostate cancer. A Dr. William Judy reportedly treated 36 men who had prostate cancer with 500 mg CoQ10 daily. (Life Enthusiast) All but eight of the men saw their PSA levels return to normal. None of the studies were ever published, and so the claims remain anecdotal.
Results of a preliminary study conducted at the University of Granada reported that coenzyme Q supplementation significantly lowered prostate cancer cell growth without affecting non-cancerous cells in a laboratory setting. (Quiles 2003) In a subsequent pilot study, a combination of coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, selenium, folic acid, and beta-carotene was given to 41 end-stage cancer patients (covering 11 different cancers, including prostate). The median predicted survival was 12 months, but the actual survival was 17 months, greater than a 40 percent increase. Ten patients survived for less time than predicted, whereas 31 survived for longer. (Hertz 2009)
The typical adult dose of CoQ10 is 30 to 90 mg daily, while people who have heart conditions typically take up to 150 mg daily. (University of Maryland) Men who have prostate cancer and who are interested in taking high doses of CoQ10 should consult their physician.
References
Hertz N, Lister RE. Improved survival in patients with end-stage cancer treated with coenzyme Q(10) and other antioxidants: a pilot study. J Int Med Res 2009 Nov-Dec; 37(6): 1961-71
Hoenjet KM et al. Effect of a nutritional supplement containing vitamin E, selenium, vitamin C and coenzyme Q10 on serum PSA in patients with hormonally untreated carcinoma of the prostate: a randomized placebo-controlled study. Eur Urol 2005 Apr; 47(4): 433-39
Life Enthusiast website; accessed Feb. 6, 2010; http://www.life-enthusiast.com/exsula/ingredients/ing_coenzyme_q10.htm
Molyneux SL et al. Coenzyme Q10: an adjunctive therapy for congestive heart failure? NJ Med J 2009 Oct 30; 122(1305): 74-79
Quiles JL et al. Coenzyme Q differentially modulates phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase gene expression and free radicals production in malignant and non-malignant prostate cells. Biofactors 2003; 18(1-4): 265-70
University of Maryland Medical Center:
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/coenzyme-q10-000295.htm
