Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Breast Cancer Prevention, Survivorship
Studies in rodent models find that increasing the ratio of total omega-3:omega-6 in feed to >1 (usually with EPA + DHA between 8 and 25% of calories) reduces mammary cancer incidence and multiplicity by 20 to 35%. . Reductions in tumor incidence have been observed in the estrogen receptor-negative MMTV-HER-2/neu transgenic mice, the estrogen receptor-positive NMU rat model, and the estrogen receptor-positive DMBA rat model. The minimum dose of marine omega-3 fatty acids for effect is not clear and may vary by animal model, source of EPA and DHA (fish oil versus ethyl esters), and total amount and type of fat in the diet. Other important experimental conditions include when in an animal's lifespan supplementation is started (younger may be more protective than older), and whether agent is added to feed or administered by gavage as omega-3 fatty acids are readily oxidized once exposed to light. Several preclinical studies suggest that EPA/DHA supplementation may be most optimal for prevention of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer when used with another chemoprevention agent such as vitamin D, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, or celecoxib.
Preclinical Models of Mammary Cancer Prevention
Studies in rodent models find that increasing the ratio of total omega-3:omega-6 in feed to >1 (usually with EPA + DHA between 8 and 25% of calories) reduces mammary cancer incidence and multiplicity by 20 to 35%. . Reductions in tumor incidence have been observed in the estrogen receptor-negative MMTV-HER-2/neu transgenic mice, the estrogen receptor-positive NMU rat model, and the estrogen receptor-positive DMBA rat model. The minimum dose of marine omega-3 fatty acids for effect is not clear and may vary by animal model, source of EPA and DHA (fish oil versus ethyl esters), and total amount and type of fat in the diet. Other important experimental conditions include when in an animal's lifespan supplementation is started (younger may be more protective than older), and whether agent is added to feed or administered by gavage as omega-3 fatty acids are readily oxidized once exposed to light. Several preclinical studies suggest that EPA/DHA supplementation may be most optimal for prevention of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer when used with another chemoprevention agent such as vitamin D, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, or celecoxib.