Lowering Oxidative Stress & Boosting Quality of Life in Advanced Head & Neck Cancer

Fermented Wheat Germ Extract (Avemar): Lowering Oxidative Stress & Boosting Quality of Life in Advanced Head & Neck Cancer

In this prospective trial, Sukkar and colleagues enrolled 60 patients with advanced head & neck cancers to evaluate whether Avemar—a fermented wheat germ extract standardized for benzoquinone content—might help reduce oxidative stress and improve quality of life. The design compared two groups: Group A received conventional oncological therapy alone; Group B received the same therapy plus Avemar as a supplement. After 2 months, 55 patients remained evaluable—29 in the control group and 26 in the Avemar group.

Oxidative stress was measured using the FRAS III test for circulating hydroperoxides. The Avemar group showed a significant decrease in oxidative stress levels over the 2-month period, whereas the control group showed no such improvement.

Quality of life was assessed using the Spitzer Quality of Life Index. After 2 months, patients in the Avemar group had significantly higher Spitzer index scores compared to the control group—indicating improved well-being, functionality, and subjective health.

In sum, in patients with advanced head & neck cancer undergoing standard therapy, adding Avemar for 2 months was associated with reduced oxidative stress and enhanced quality of life compared to standard therapy alone. These findings suggest Avemar may serve as a supportive adjunct in managing the symptoms of cancer and its treatment in this population.

Reference:

Sukkar SG, Cella F, Rovera GM, et al. A multicentric prospective open trial on the quality of life and oxidative stress in patients affected by advanced head and neck cancer treated with a new benzoquinone-rich product derived from fermented wheat germ (Avemar). Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism. 2008;1(1):37-42.