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Detoxification products okay during chemo?

Page last modified on: September 9, 2008

Question from Holly: Is it advisable to use detoxification products, such as milk thistle, while undergoing chemotherapy?: Answer —Marisa Weiss, M.D., Breastcancer.org president and founder: The interaction between plant substances and chemotherapy (some chemotherapies come from plants, in fact) may be very specific to the kind of plant substance, as well as the type of chemotherapy you may be receiving. For example, most doctors tell you to avoid using antioxidants during Adriamycin chemotherapy, as well as during radiation. Ephedra is considered inadvisable in general, as well as during treatment. Anything that could increase the likelihood of bleeding should obviously be avoided. For example, aspirin, which is a plant derivative, should not be used close to the time of surgery.

Bring your list of supplements to the doctor who is giving you chemotherapy to make sure that what you are taking is helpful and not harmful.

On Wednesday, October 16, 2002, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Complementary and Holistic Treatments. Daniel Benor, M.D., Patricia Johnson, M.D., and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about what complementary and holistic treatments are, how to find reliable practitioners, and which might be the best treatments for you.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of Breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Dan Benor, M.D. is a holistic psychiatrist, author, and teacher of holistic approaches to medical treatment.

Patricia Johnson, M.D. is a family practitioner in Robbinsville, North Carolina, with a special interest and expertise in holistic medicine.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

Breastcancer.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information and community to those touched by this disease. Learn more about our commitment to providing complete, accurate, and private breast cancer information.

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