Omega 3 vs Omega 6 as Treatment for Cancer Related Fatigue

Dr. Luke Peppone of University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY discusses results from a preliminary study measuring omega 3 versus omega 6 supplementation for fatigue among breast cancer survivors (NCT02352779). The study took patients with a fatigue level of 4 out of a 0-10 scale. Patients were randomized into one of three groups and were either given a high dose of omega 3 supplement (sourced from fish oil), a high dose of omega 6 supplement (sourced from soybean oil), or a combination of a low dose of both omega 3 and 6. Results show that those with a high dose of omega 6, had a significant reduction in cancer related fatigue, compared to those in the omega 3 group. Omega 3 and 6 are considered to be relatively safe and although they can’t yet be recommended for fatigue, they are also found to be beneficial in improving sleep and easing pain. Dr. Peppone finishes off by mentioning the plans of a larger study around the use of soybean oil to treat cancer related fatigue. Recorded at the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) 2016 Annual Congress in Adelaide, Australia.