Spirulina Helps 116 Stage Four Cancer Patients in Chemotherapy - Research

This study evaluated the impact of Spirulina in the treatment and nutrition of patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative chemotherapy treatment. 

Methods

One hundred and twenty patients with solid tumors (breast, lung, GI tract, prostate, malignant melanoma, oropharynx, gynecologic, sarcoma and pancreas cancer) were included, all with Stage IV cancer.

Treatment consisted of conventional chemotherapy plus Spirulina at 380 mg twice daily and before meals.

Serum biochemistry as hemoglobin, albumin, C reactive protein were evaluated and also weight gain and the fold of the thumb muscle, before the beginning of treatment and every 3 weeks. 

Results

One hundred and sixteen patients were evaluated. 

• The average weight gain was 600 g.
• Hemoglobin levels remained stable, with a median count of 10,2 g/dl.
• Complaints of weakness and malaise reduced even with stable levels of hemoglobin.
• The average lymphocyte count was 950 mm³ (410 to 1400 mm3), albumin levels was 3,2 g/dl (2,1 to 4,1 g/dl) and C reactive protein was 59,4 ng/dl (2 to 140 ng/dl).

Conclusion

Spirulina represents an effective option for nutritional support in patients with advanced oncologic disease and improved the laboratory biomarkers of nutrition.

Even Better

People in this study received treatment with dried spirulina.

The advent of fresh spirulina - with 20 times more antioxidants - could provide significantly better results.

Learn More

Evaluation of Spirulina in the supportive treatment associated to palliative chemotherapy in patients with advanced oncologic disease.