Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is used as an adjunct to chemotherapy primarily due to its well-established antioxidant and cytoprotective properties. Scientific research supports its ability to reduce certain side effects of chemotherapy, such as nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) caused by drugs like cisplatin and cyclophosphamide. NAC acts as a precursor to glutathione, a major intracellular antioxidant, helping to neutralize reactive oxygen species generated during chemotherapy. Several preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated NAC’s capacity to prevent or lessen chemotherapy-induced oxidative damage to normal tissues without significantly compromising the anti-tumor efficacy of the chemotherapeutic agents.

For example, randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have shown that NAC can reduce the incidence and severity of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Additionally, some evidence supports its role in mitigating hematological toxicity and mucositis. However, the level of evidence is moderate (rated 3 out of 5) because, while positive effects are consistently reported in animal models and small human studies, large-scale, high-quality clinical trials are limited. There is ongoing debate about the potential of NAC to also protect tumor cells, though most clinical data suggest its protective effects are selective for normal tissues.

In summary, NAC’s use for reducing chemotherapy side effects is scientifically supported, particularly for nephroprotection, but broader clinical adoption awaits further robust trials to clarify optimal dosing, timing, and safety across different chemotherapy regimens.

More about N-acetylcysteine
More about Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)

Other ingredients used for Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)

Other health conditions supported by N-acetylcysteine

Products containing N-acetylcysteine