• Intervention
    Is there a relationship between a patient’s intake of probiotics to reduce symptoms and the reduction of symptoms associated with cancer in all cancer patients?
    • Conclusion

      There is no evidence available that directly supports or refutes the relationship between a patient’s intake of probiotics to reduce symptoms and the reduction of symptoms associated with cancer in all cancer patients.

    • Grade: V
      • Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
      • Grade II is Fair;
      • Grade III is Limited/Weak;
      • Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
      • Grade V is Not Assignable.
      • High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
      • Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
      • Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
      • Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
      • Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.
    • Search Plan and Results: Probiotics and Symptoms/Complications 2004
       
    Is there a relationship between a diet containing probiotics and improved tolerance and support for recovery from anticancer therapy and the reduction of radiation-related diarrhea in cancer patients?
    • Conclusion

      A lack of studies with strong research design [(-) rating in three studies], dissimilar products (each study used different probiotic strains, amounts, dosing), differing patient populations and stage of treatment makes it difficult to provide a straight-forward conclusion on the amount, timing, and type of probiotics needed to prevent/reduce diarrhea as a radiation-related side effect. Probiotics appear to be helpful, but more conclusive research is needed before this can be applied in the clinical setting.

    • Grade: III
      • Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
      • Grade II is Fair;
      • Grade III is Limited/Weak;
      • Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
      • Grade V is Not Assignable.
      • High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
      • Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
      • Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
      • Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
      • Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.
    • Search Plan and Results: Probiotics and Symptoms/Complications 2004