Some researchers believe that a form of vitamin E in inducing apoptosis or cell death and suppressing of malignant mesothelioma cancer growth can be effective. In various studies within the last 5 years found researchers that alpha Tocepherol, the most common form of vitamin D in the body as managed as a supplement, is effective in combating the treatment-resistant breast cancer tumors and could be effective in combating mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a serious and rare cancer in individuals who have either inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibres. Often called "Asbestos cancer", mesothelioma is very aggressive and resistant against many standard cancer treatments. There are currently no known cure for mesothelioma and the average survival varies between 4 – 18 months after diagnosis.
In an effort to live longer and improve their quality of life turn many mesothelioma patients in alternative treatments and vitamins. Vitamin E is known for its antioxidant properties and for the protection of skin cells from ultraviolet light, pollution, drugs and other items that damaging free radicals in cells. Vitamin E has contribute to a healthy heart-blood circulation system and shown in blood clotting and wound healing aid.
Researchers in Italy and Australia in the International Journal of cancer, that alpha tocopheryl succinate analog reported vitamin E "effectively kills malignant mesothelioma cells and sensitized to the immunological inductor of apoptosis tumor necrosis factor."
In another study, published in 2005 researchers from the apoptosis research group at Griffith University, Australia, found that alpha tocopheryl suppressed mesothelioma in "Immunocomprised mice", suggesting that this vitamin could be used "as a selective drug against previously fatal mesothelioma" (Note: some of the researchers identified in both studies.)
A follow-up study, a few years later contradicted the findings. The researchers found, "alpha tocopheryl succinate was tumor established in inhibiting development published doses not only ineffective, but led to serious side effects, shaped behavior changes, intra peritoneal abnormalities and destroy the T cells."
All studies suggested additional tests of vitamin E analogues in use as a treatment for mesothelioma.
