University of Halle, Department of Internal Medicine, Oncology/Hematology and Hemostaseology, Halle/Saale, Germany.
Nutr J. 2011 Sep 5;10:89. doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-10-89.
Fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) is a multisubstance composition and, besides others, contains 2-methoxy benzoquinone and 2, 6-dimethoxy benzoquinone which are likely to exert some of its biological effects. FWGE interferes with anaerobic glycolysis, pentose cycle and ribonucleotide reductase. It has significant antiproliferative effects and kills tumor cells by the induction of apoptosis via the caspase-poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase-pathway. FWGE interacts synergistically with a variety of different anticancer drugs and exerted antimetastatic properties in mouse models. In addition, FWGE modulates immune response by downregulation of MHC-I complex and the induction of TNF-α and various interleukins. Data in the F-344 rat model provide evidence for a colon cancer preventing effect of FWGE.Clinical data from a randomized phase II trial in melanoma patients indicate a significant benefit for patients treated with dacarbazine in combination with FWGE in terms of progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Similarly, data from studies in colorectal cancer suggested a benefit of FWGE treatment. Besides extension of OS and PFS, FWGE improved the quality of life in several studies.
In conclusion, available data so far, justify the use of FWGE as a non-prescription medical nutriment for cancer patients. Further randomized, controlled and large scale clinical studies are mandatory, to further clarify the value of FWGE as a drug component of future chemotherapy regimens.
发酵麦胚提取物（FWGE）是一种多物质组成的物质，除其他物质外，还含有 2-甲氧基苯醌和 2,6-二甲氧基苯醌，它们可能发挥其部分生物学作用。FWGE 干扰无氧糖酵解、戊糖循环和核糖核苷酸还原酶。它具有显著的抗增殖作用，并通过 caspase-多聚[ADP-核糖]聚合酶途径诱导细胞凋亡来杀死肿瘤细胞。FWGE 与多种不同的抗癌药物协同作用，并在小鼠模型中发挥抗转移作用。此外，FWGE 通过下调 MHC-I 复合物和诱导 TNF-α 和各种细胞因子来调节免疫反应。F-344 大鼠模型的数据为 FWGE 预防结肠癌提供了证据。黑色素瘤患者随机 II 期临床试验的临床数据表明，与单独使用达卡巴嗪相比，FWGE 联合治疗在无进展生存期（PFS）和总生存期（OS）方面对患者有显著获益。同样，结直肠癌研究的数据也表明 FWGE 治疗有获益。除了延长 OS 和 PFS 外，FWGE 还改善了多项研究的生活质量。
综上所述，目前的可用数据证明，FWGE 可作为癌症患者的非处方医疗营养品使用。需要进一步进行随机、对照和大规模的临床研究，以进一步明确 FWGE 作为未来化疗方案药物成分的价值。
