View source for GLA

{{TreatmentInfo
|drug_name=Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)
|FDA_approval=No (Used as a dietary supplement)
|used_for=Considered for cancer treatment support, but recommended to use omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil instead
|clinical_trial_phase=Preclinical (rodent studies)
|common_side_effects=Not specifically mentioned; dietary supplements like GLA are generally well-tolerated
|OS_with=Not applicable; current recommendations favor omega-3 fatty acids for potential CNS benefits
|PFS_with=Not applicable; emphasis on omega-3 fatty acids due to better CNS penetration and cost-effectiveness
|usefulness_rating=2
|notes=Despite the potential of GLA as a dietary supplement, rodent studies indicate it does not effectively cross into the central nervous system or reach brain tumors after oral administration. Omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA, which are detectable in human cerebrospinal fluid and more likely to enter the CNS, are recommended instead. Omega-3s are also more cost-effective and share similar mechanisms of action to GLA.
|treatment_category=Over-the-Counter Drugs and Supplements
|links=
|toxicity_level=1
|toxicity_explanation=Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) is a type of dietary supplement and not a specific cancer treatment. It's generally well-tolerated with no specific common side effects mentioned from its usage. However, it's not ideally recommended for treating glioblastoma as it does not effectively cross into the central nervous system or reach brain tumors after oral administration. Omega-3 fatty acids are recommended instead due to their higher potential of reaching the brain and they are also more cost-effective. The toxicity level of 1 signifies that it's considered low risk and unlikely to cause harmful effects.
}}