Hi Gary ,

Two studies I found right off:

Pace et al. 2003. Neuroprotective effect of vitamin E supplementation in patients treated with cisplatin chemotherapy, J. Clin. Oncolog. 21 (5):927-931. Found neurotoxicity from cisplatin significantly lower in patients receiving 300 mg/d alpha-tocopherol. More importantly, no differences were observed in tumor weight inhibition, tumor growth delay or life span in two groups.

Ferriera, P. 2002 ASCO Conference presentation (this is probably the reference Michael mentions). Protective effect of Vitamin E (VE) in head and neck cancer radiation induced mucositis: A double-blind randomized trial. Treatment consisted of 2x daily 5-minute oral rinse and swallow of either 400 mg VE or placebo. Patients received 50-70 Gy 5x week. Used RTOG toxicity scale for evaluating mucositis, also collected mucosal cells for micronuclei assay. Found incidence of severe mucositis (grades 3-4) 36% less in VE-treated arm. Pain was also reduced, but not duration of condition. Reviewer said chief problem with this study was the small size of the study cohorts, and he also had some protocol issues.

Certainly a lot of the alleged benefits of Vitamin E (in heart etc.) have not panned out. The benefit for prostate cancer is, however, well-founded. Many of these studies have found benefit to be associated with gamma-E isomer, not alpha.Some have found E benefit only if in given in conjunction with selenium; the latter is vital to proper immune system function.

So, not such a clear picture...however, best to err on side of caution and stop anti-oxidant supplements during radiation.Just try to take in a good diet as long as you can...

Gail