Effect of FWGE on human cancer cells studied with quantitative analysis

Scientists have studied the effect of fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) on cancer tumour cells.

The research, carried out by Thomas Mueller, Karin Jordan and Wieland Voigt, was published in the Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research.

Currently, many cancer patients use FWGE as a nutritional supplement; however, the scientists note that immunological, antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects have been observed in recent data.

Therefore, the team carried out a study to further investigate the in vitro antiproliferative effect of the substance, both when being used on its own and in combination with cytotoxic drugs.

Using quantitative analysis and electrophoresis, in addition to other techniques, the team observed that in certain situations - such as when administered in tandem with 5-FU - FWGE could have an impact on anti-tumour activity.

However, the researchers highlight that "further evaluation of FWGE as a candidate for clinical combination drug regimens appeared to be warranted".

The Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer research is an open-access publication that releases papers and acts as a forum for oncology.