PROJECT TITLE	Improving radiation therapy through changes in the diet
CATEGORY	Breast Cancer, Diet
PROJECT  DESCRIPTION	Many health conscious people take antioxidant supplements. Ordinarily, antioxidants improve health. However, it is possible that antioxidants might actually be harmful in specific situations. When a patient is undergoing radiation therapy for cancer, the radiation kills the rapidly dividing cancer cells by damaging the DNA. Antioxidants work to repair damaged DNA. This study will test whether two common antioxidants, Vitamin E, as well as the main ingredient in green tea, to see if they hinder radiation therapy for breast cancer. The answer to this question is vitally important to patients all over the world.
INVESTIGATORS	Brian D. Lawenda, MD
CO-FUNDERS	Harvard Medical School, Osher Clinic
INSTITUTION	Harvard Medical School
STATUS	Research Project Complete June 2004