Health · Medical Research · 12 hrs ago
Small trial finds oxaloacetate may ease brain fog after breast cancer
UCLA researchers tested oxaloacetate as a possible way to ease lasting thinking problems and fatigue in breast cancer survivors.
These symptoms, sometimes called brain fog or “chemo brain,” can persist after cancer treatment and may have several causes.
The phase II trial included 18 women who had been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer one to five years earlier and had substantial cognitive difficulties.
They took 500 milligrams of the supplement twice a day for eight weeks.
Participants reported better thinking, memory, concentration and fatigue, and cognitive tests also improved in areas such as processing speed, attention and planning.
Oxaloacetate is a molecule already found in the body that is involved in cell energy production and glutamate regulation.
Larger studies are needed to confirm the early results and establish whether the supplement can help more survivors.
A small phase II trial found that breast cancer survivors taking oxaloacetate for eight weeks reported improvements in thinking, memory, concentration and fatigue.
The trial involved 18 women with early-stage breast cancer and substantial cognitive difficulties.
Participants took 500 milligrams of oxaloacetate twice a day.
Cognitive tests also showed improvements in processing speed and tasks involving planning, attention and mental flexibility.
Researchers said larger studies are needed to confirm the findings.
- Who
- Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center studied 18 women who had survived early-stage breast cancer.
- What
- The trial examined whether oxaloacetate could help with cognitive symptoms and fatigue.
- When
- Participants took the supplement for eight weeks. The study was published on November 9, 2026.
- Where
- UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center conducted the study; the article does not state where participants took the supplement.
- Why
- Researchers investigated oxaloacetate because it is involved in cellular energy production and glutamate regulation, processes that may be disrupted in cancer-related cognitive impairment.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Participants had been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer.
Participants took 500 milligrams of oxaloacetate twice a day.
The study was reported as published in JCO Oncology Advances.
- Participants
- 18 women
- Dose
- 500 milligrams twice a day
- Trial duration
- Eight weeks
- Diagnosis
- Early-stage breast cancer, one to five years before the trial
- Publication
- JCO Oncology Advances
What people are saying
Cancer-related cognitive impairment can persist long after treatment ends and can have a significant impact on a person's daily life, yet we still have very few effective treatments for it