Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), the essential omega-6 fat that is found in evening primrose, black currant seed, and borage oil, can inhibit the action of the cancer gene Her-2/neu. This gene is responsible for almost 30 percent of all breast cancers.

40-Fold Increase in Effectiveness

When cancer cells that overexpress the Her-2/neu gene are treated with GLA, it not only helps suppress the cancer-causing gene, but also causes up to a 40-fold increase in response to the drug Herceptin (trastuzumab), which is used as part of breast cancer treatment. GLA also selectively affects cancer cells without damaging normal cells.

Good News for Those With an Aggressive Form of Cancer

This is especially good news because patients who possess the Her-2/neu gene also typically have an aggressive form of the disease and a poor prognosis.

GLA is one of two essential fatty acids, which are necessary for the normal functioning and growth of cells, nerves, muscles and organs. GLA is present in evening primrose oil, borage oil, and black current seed oil, among other sources.

Journal of the National Cancer Institute November 2, 2005; 97(21): 1611-1615

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