head and neck cancer

Avemar is a fermented wheat germ extract with potent antimetastatic, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory activities. Chemically, it is a complex mixture of biologically active molecules including 2-methoxy-p-benzoquinone and 2,6-dimethoxy-p-benzoquinone which were supposed to be responsible for the main biological properties of Avemar. Despite its ubiquitous use as nutrition supplement for cancer patients in some countries only limited data are available on its activity in human cancer or in combination with chemotherapy.

Background and aim: Anorexia/cachexia syndrome is frequently correlated with increased oxidative stress (OS). A fermented wheat-germ extract with a standardized benzoquinone content (brand name Avemar) has been shown to exert an intense antioxidant activity with no side effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Avemar in patients affected by head and neck cancer, correlating the variations with OS with the quality of life as assessed by the Spitzer’s index.

The Hungarian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (Magyar Arc-, Állcsont- és Szájsebészeti Társaság) has reviewed the research results related to Avemar and issued its opinion as follows: For patients suffering from head- and neck tumors - primarily malignant tumorous diseases of the oral cavity, the progression of the disease can be slowed significantly, the five-year survival rate increased considerably, the quality of life improved, and the oxidative stress on the patients reduced by the long-term application of the supplementary formula Avemar.