Folate, folic acid, and chemotherapy-induced toxicities : A systematic literature review

Folate metabolism is a target for various chemotherapeutic drugs. Folate and its synthetic variant folic acid are B-vitamins. To what extent these vitamins impact treatment tolerance in patients with cancer remains unclear. A systematic literature review was conducted on intake and status of folate and folic acid in relation to chemotherapy-induced toxicities in children and adults with cancer. A total of 6231 publications were identified, of which 40 publications met the inclusion criteria. In 12 out of 22 studies focusing on antifolates, a deficient folate status and lower folate and folic acid intake were associated with a higher risk of toxicities. In 8 out of 14 studies focusing on fluoropyrimidine treatments, a higher folate status and intake were associated with a higher risk of toxicities. These findings might explain interindividual differences in treatment tolerance and highlight the importance of evaluating nutritional status in oncology care.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Zwart, Nienke R.K., Franken, Mira D., Tissing, Wim J.E., Lubberman, Floor J.E., McKay, Jill A., Kampman, Ellen, Kok, Dieuwertje E.
Format:	Article/Letter to editor biblioteca
Language:	English
Subjects:	Cancer, Chemotherapy, Folate, Folic acid, Toxicity,
Online Access:	https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/folate-folic-acid-and-chemotherapy-induced-toxicities-a-systemati
Tags:	Add Tag No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!