Polyphenols in green tea may interfere with this cancer therapy

What is the mechanism or rationale for why a patient on bortezomib (Velcade) therapy should avoid green tea? —Connie P. Gazmen, MS, RN, OCN

Green tea interferes with the proteasome inhibitor activity of bortezomib, effectively blocking the drug’s antineoplastic effect on cancerous cells. In patient management, concurrent use of green tea extract and other green tea products should be avoided during treatment. In addition, clinicians should assess the benefits versus risk of therapy if the decision is made to initiate therapy. —Abimbola Farinde, PharmD, MS, BCPP, CGP, LCDC, PM/PRC, FASCP, FACA, FNAP, Rsci, ARSPharmS