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Vitamin E and benign breast disease
E C Meyer1, D K Sommers, C J Reitz
1Department of Pharmacology, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
Surgery
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) did not show benefits for treating benign breast disease in a clinical trial. Early diagnosis of breast cancer is crucial, and unproven treatments may delay it.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Vitamin E has a 25-year history in treating benign breast disease.
- Mammography serves as an objective measure for treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of alpha-tocopherol in treating benign breast disease using mammography.
- To assess subjective and objective changes in patients with benign breast disease.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial involving 105 women.
- Patients received 600 mg of placebo and alpha-tocopherol acetate in alternating 3-month phases.
- Mammography and breast examinations were conducted at consistent points in the menstrual cycle.
Main Results:
- No significant subjective improvements were reported by patients.
- No significant objective changes were observed via mammography.
- Alpha-tocopherol demonstrated no beneficial effect on benign breast disease.
Conclusions:
- Alpha-tocopherol is not effective for treating benign breast disease.
- Caution is advised against using alpha-tocopherol for undiagnosed conditions, as it may delay breast cancer diagnosis.