CoQ10 is a molecule found in the mitochondria of almost every cell. The role of CoQ10 is to assist with energy production and protect healthy cells from harmful cells, as in the case of cancers such as melanoma. People with melanoma tend to have low levels of CoQ10 in their cells, likely due to protecting healthy cells from damage. Supplementation of CoQ10 in people with cancer such as melanoma might be beneficial in preventing the further spread of cancer cells. Though research has indicated CoQ10's positive effect, it isn't strong enough to make firm claims.
Recurrence
CoQ10 might reduce the recurrence of melanoma, according to a 2007 study in the journal "Melanoma Research." The researchers gave patients in the study 400 mg of CoQ10 daily for three years, then measured rates of recurrence at the five-year mark. Rates of recurrence were significantly less without any negative side effects observed.
Cancer Cell Death
Some research links CoQ10 with cancer cell death in melanoma. The use of CoQ10 use against cancer has been significant because CoQ10 is able to selectively cause cell death in cancerous cells while leaving healthy cells alone. This was the case in a 2006 study published in the "American Association of Cancer Research" journal. CoQ10 was given to patients with melanoma and even after 24 hours, expression of a certain melanoma cancer gene was suppressed without damage to healthy cells.
Progression of Cancer
CoQ10 might be useful in estimating the progression of cancer. A 2006 study in the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology" looked at CoQ10 levels in cancer patients to assess risk of cancer cells spreading. The researchers determined CoQ10 levels were lower in people whose cancer was spreading compared with those whose cancer was not spreading. From these findings, it is hoped CoQ10 levels can be used as a predictor of the likelihood of the spread of melanoma in larger studies.
Prevention
Because CoQ10 in cells decreases as a result of aging, diet deficiencies and cellular oxidation, it's best to try to maintain and optimize levels of CoQ10, whether through supplementation or through diet sources. This might help stifle or slow loss of CoQ10 in cells, preventing cell damage that might lead to cancers such as melanoma. The above-mentioned studies report no adverse effects of CoQ10 supplementation. Regardless, it's best to discuss taking CoQ10 with a physician.
References
- "Melanoma Research"; "Recombinant Interferon [alpha]-2b and Coenzyme Q10 as a Postsurgical Adjuvant Therapy for Melanoma: A 3-year Trial with Recombinant Interferon-[alpha] and 5-year Follow-up"; Luigi Rusciani et al; 2007
- "American Association of Cancer Research"; "Coenzyme Q10: A novel bcl-2 Drug Target for the Treatment of Melanoma"; Niven Narain et al; 2006
- "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology"; "Low Plasma Coenzyme Q10 Levels as an Independent Prognostic Factor for Melanoma Progression"; Rusciani Luigi et al;2006
