Selenium (Stand-alone)
Trace element: GPx/TrxR ↑, p53 apoptosis ↑; moderate deficiency-correction in prostate/lung/colorectal/breast.
Forms: Selenomethionine capsules (200 mcg) · Sodium selenite tablets
Key Takeaway
Cofactor for selenoenzymes (GPx, TrxR) that buffers redox stress; certain selenium metabolites (e.g., methylselenol) can push p53-mediated apoptosis. Clinical signals are context-dependent—benefit is more likely when correcting deficiency; indiscriminate high-dose use can be harmful.
Evidence at a glance
SELECT/NPC mixed prevention; adjunct RCTs modest (HR 0.8-1.0); strongest in low-Se baseline; meta-GPx ↑20-30%; ongoing platino-tox trials.
How it may work
Selenium incorporates into glutathione peroxidases (GPx) and thioredoxin reductases (TrxR), lowering peroxides and stabilizing redox signaling. Pro-apoptotic selenium metabolites (methylselenol) enhance p53 transactivation, DNA damage responses, and caspase cleavage, selectively stressing tumor cells with impaired antioxidant reserve. In adjunct settings, selenium may reduce chemo/radiotoxicity and modulate immunity; prevention data are mixed and strongly moderated by baseline selenium status and chemical form.
Targets & pathways
Curated mechanistic targets reported for this agent — how it may act on cells, not proof of a clinical effect.
Often studied / combined with
Combinations reported in the literature, not a protocol or a recommendation.
- Cisplatin: Nephroprotection and response in lung cancer.
- Curcumin: Apoptosis boost in colorectal models.
- Resveratrol: Redox synergy in prostate cancer.
- Vitamin E: Antioxidant in lung, but caution prostate.
Overlapping mechanisms
- Redox: Overlaps vitamin E/sulforaphane; status ceiling.
- p53: Redundant inducers; monitor genotox.
Safety & interactions
Severity and how well-established each signal is are shown separately. Verify everything with your oncologist or pharmacist — absence here does not mean safe.
- platinum_chemoMonitorLowTheoreticalPotential antagonism; time separately.
- antioxidantsSynergizeLowTheoreticalRedox balance enhancement.
- CisplatinSynergizeLowTheoreticalNephroprotection in lung cancer.
Timing
- With-meal: Aids absorption.
- QD: Once daily for steady status.
References
- PMC11746096: Selenium in prostate cancer prevention
- PMC12207204: Selenoenzyme mechanisms in cancer
- S0891584918308116: Methylselenol and p53 apoptosis
- 10.15430/JCP.2019.24.3.146: Clinical review of selenium in oncology
- DOI 10.3390/nu12061619: Synergy with cisplatin in lung cancer
- PMC10221542: Combination with curcumin in colorectal models
Research
No published studies for Selenium (Stand-alone) yet
New studies appear here once they’ve been reviewed. Browse all studies.
Dose: as studied, not a recommendation
Ranges seen in adjunct / practice use: 55–200 mcg/day (po) With meals; status-guided, RDA 55 mcg (women)/70 mcg (men); adjunct 100-200 mcg/day; upper safe 400 mcg; test serum Se 70-150 mcg/L target..
Trials studying Selenium (Stand-alone)
No actively-recruiting trials matched right now. Recruiting is not the same as proven. Search ClinicalTrials.gov →
Appears in these protocol claims
Selenium (Stand-alone) is named in these protocols discussed online. Listed for transparency: being part of a protocol is not evidence that it works, and OncoForge does not endorse them.
- Gerson, Gonzalez, Budwig, RSO, IPT, and Other Long-Running Claims : Older alternative or clinic-based approaches with strong testimonial communities and major evidence disputes.