Synopsis

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

Thymic peptides, such as thymosin alpha-1 and thymopentin, are biologically active molecules derived from the thymus gland. Their primary role is modulating immune function. Scientific studies, including randomized controlled trials, have explored the use of thymic peptides as adjuncts in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy often suppresses the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections and delaying recovery. Thymic peptides have been investigated for their potential to support immune reconstitution, reduce infection rates, and mitigate some hematologic side effects of chemotherapy.

Some clinical trials—primarily conducted in China, Italy, and Russia—have suggested that thymosin alpha-1 can reduce the incidence of infections, improve white blood cell counts, and, in some cases, enhance quality of life in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. A 2013 meta-analysis published in PLoS One reviewed several randomized trials and found that thymosin alpha-1 reduced chemotherapy-induced toxicity, particularly myelosuppression and infection rates, though the quality of evidence was moderate due to heterogeneity and risk of bias in studies. Thymic peptides are not universally adopted in clinical guidelines, and their use remains somewhat controversial, but there is a scientific rationale and moderate quality evidence supporting their adjunctive use to reduce certain side effects of chemotherapy.

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