This complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) information summary provides an overview of the use of coenzyme Q₁₀ in cancer therapy. The summary includes a history of coenzyme Q₁₀ research, a review of laboratory studies, and data from investigations involving human subjects. Although several naturally occurring forms of coenzyme Q have been identified, Q₁₀ is the predominant form found in humans and most mammals, and it is the form most studied for therapeutic potential. Thus, it will be the only form of coenzyme Q discussed in this summary.

This summary contains the following key information:

• Coenzyme Q₁₀ is made naturally by the human body.
• Coenzyme Q₁₀ helps cells to produce energy, and it acts as an antioxidant.
• Coenzyme Q₁₀ has shown an ability to stimulate the immune system and to protect the heart from damage caused by certain chemotherapy drugs.
• Low blood levels of coenzyme Q₁₀ have been detected in patients with some types of cancer.
• No report of a randomized clinical trial of coenzyme Q₁₀ as a treatment for cancer has been published in a peer-reviewed, scientific journal.
• Coenzyme Q₁₀ is marketed in the United States as a dietary supplement.

Many of the medical and scientific terms used in the summary are hypertext linked (at first use in each section) to the NCI Dictionary, which is oriented toward nonexperts. When a linked term is clicked, a definition will appear in a separate window. All linked terms and their corresponding definitions will appear in a glossary in the printable version of the summary.

Reference citations in some PDQ CAM information summaries may include links to external Web sites that are operated by individuals or organizations for the purpose of marketing or advocating the use of specific treatments or products. These reference citations are included for informational purposes only. Their inclusion should not be viewed as an endorsement of the content of the Web sites or of any treatment or product by the PDQ Cancer CAM Editorial Board or the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

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