New cell study from Italy [1].
The failed SELECT study shows the danger of relying on alpha tocopherol as a vitamin E supplement. The eight isoforms compete for uptake. Supplement with one & you may drive down levels of another.
PCa research suggests that gamma tocotrienol is the isoform with the greatest PCa impact. The only attractive source (to me) is "Delta Gold" from annatto [2].
Yes, it is only ~10% gamma tocotrienol, but is ~90% delta tocotrienol, which has proven cardiovascular benefit. Men with PCa have a higher risk of CVD.
The new paper suggests that men on Taxotere (Docetaxel) might delay resistance by using delta tocotrienol.
"... Several agents, including natural compounds, have been shown to induce necroptosis in human cancer cells. In this study we evaluated the involvement of necroptosis in anticancer activity of delta-tocotrienol (δ-TT) in PCa cells (DU145 and PC3).
"Combination therapy is one tool used to overcome therapeutic resistance and drug toxicity. Evaluating the combined effect of δ-TT and docetaxel (DTX), we found that δ-TT potentiates DTX cytotoxicity in DU145 cells.
"Moreover, δ-TT induces cell death in DU145 cells that have developed DTX resistance (DU-DXR) activating necroptosis.
"Taken together, obtained data indicate the ability of δ-TT to induce necroptosis in both DU145, PC3 and DU-DXR cell lines.
"Furthermore, the ability of δ-TT to induce necroptotic cell death may represent a promising therapeutical approach to overcome DTX chemoresistance in PCa."
-Patrick
