Scientists: Popular Supplement May Interfere with Cancer Treatment

Oncologists are raising the alarm: biotin, popular among patients, can distort test results and affect treatment. Specialists from the Ohio State University Medical Center have identified a serious risk of making erroneous clinical decisions when evaluating blood indicators of patients taking this vitamin to strengthen hair and nails.

As reported by TUT.AZ with reference to JCO Oncology Practice, biotin (vitamin B7), although it does not directly affect hormones or tumor markers, interferes with laboratory tests that use biotin-dependent reactions. This leads to distortion of results — indicators can be unreasonably elevated or lowered.

Of particular concern is the situation with patients suffering from breast, prostate, thyroid, and ovarian cancer. In these cases, the accuracy of blood tests is critically important to monitor treatment effectiveness and timely detection of relapses. Distorted data can lead to untimely treatment or incorrect assessment of disease dynamics.

Notably, to date, there is no convincing scientific evidence of biotin's effectiveness in combating hair loss caused by antitumor therapy. Doctors note an alarming trend: many patients start taking this supplement on their own, guided by advice from the internet or from acquaintances, and do not inform their treating physician about it.

Scientists emphasize: even substances that seem harmless at first glance, such as vitamins and dietary supplements, can pose a danger in oncological diseases. As a proven alternative for solving the problem of hair loss, physicians recommend minoxidil — a drug with scientifically proven effectiveness, and strongly advise discussing the intake of any supplements with a doctor both during cancer treatment and after it.