According to a study in the August 2009 issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, the official scientific publication of the American Society for Radiation Oncology, wine consumption while undergoing radiation for breast cancer may reduce the incidence of skin toxicity.  The study was carried out jointly in three Italian centers: the Department of Oncology and the Center for High Technology Research and Education in Biomedical Sciences at Catholic University in Campobasso, Italy, the Catholic University Department of Radiotherapy and the National Research Council’s BioMatLab in Rome, both in Rome, Italy.

The study involved 348 patients and evaluated the skin toxicity response to wine consumption according to a graded skin response scale.  It was noted that of the patients who consumed one glass of wine per day, there was a 13.6% risk of skin toxicity.  Of those patients that abstained, the incidence of skin toxicity rose to 38.4%. 

Researchers were investigating whether natural dietary substances, such as the antioxidant resveratrol and other phenolics, might exert a radioprotective benefit to those patients undergoing radiation therapy after conservative surgery for breast cancer.  The study did not elucidate whether the wine was red, white or both.

Once again, we have a study that points to an association between wine consumption and potential therapeutic health benefits.  It is important to remember, however, that most of the in vivo (live) studies in patients reflect a link or an association between wine and health benefits rather than a conclusive result whereas in vitro (lab) studies are more conclusive.   

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Tags: antioxidant, Resveratrol, wine and breast cancer