Skip to main content
Start of main content.

Bond researchers add spice to improve chemotherapy symptoms

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.

More from Bond

  • Unseen chains: Why Gold Coast businesses need to know about modern slavery

    Modern slavery has surged by 10 million in the past decade, now ensnaring 50 million people globally. How is it relevant to life on the Gold Coast?

    Read article
  • Envy an industry that's cashing in

    Do you know envy is the single most powerful trigger for making purchases?

    Read article
  • Injury blow to skipper ahead of QFA finals

    AFL preview: Matthew Smith ruled out with a hand injury and some big names rested in the QAFLW.

    Read article
  • Bond at the Olympics: Andrew Utting

    We have been celebrating Bond's proud Olympic history in the lead-up to the Paris games. In the final edition we profile 2004 Olympian Andrew Utting.

    Read article
  • Makeshift Bull Sharks side out to tame Tigers.

    Rugby preview: Wallaroo Eva Karpani headlines a list of eight big names who will miss the match against Easts.

    Read article
Previous Next