Researchers at Bond University will investigate the use of ginger supplementation to help cancer patients who may experience chemo-related nausea and vomiting, thanks to funding from Cancer Council.
Nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy can significantly affect patients’ appetite, quality of life and nutrition status, with previous studies suggesting ginger might be beneficial.
Professor Liz Isenring, Program Head of Nutrition and Dietetics at Bond University in Queensland, said the University’s recent testing had achieved promising results.
“We conducted a double blinded placebo controlled study in 51 cancer patients and found that the use of ginger supplementation was able to reduce chemotherapy-related symptoms,” Prof Isenring said.
“However, while promising, bigger trials are needed to confirm these results before we can recommend the use of ginger as part of practice.
“Cancer Council funding will allow for a much larger trial. We anticipate recruiting up to 300 participants within Queensland and will commence the trial this year.”
Bond University received a two-year $200,000 Cancer Council research grant.
Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said tens of thousands of Queensland patients could benefit from the study.
“Ensuring quality of life for all cancer patients, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond, is a priority for Cancer Council Queensland,” Ms Clift said.
“Cancer patients undergo a range of side effects during treatment, and we hope this research provides a solution to minimise the effects of chemotherapy.
“We are proud to be funding this local research to benefit all Queenslanders, all cancers.”
The Bond University research grant is one of 10 research projects Cancer Council Queensland has funded in 2017/18.
More than 26,000 Queenslanders are diagnosed with cancer each year, and about 8600 die from the disease.
More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available on 13 11 20 or cancerqld.org.au.