ONC: Gynecological Cancer (2006)
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Intervention
Is there a relationship between a patient's intake of soluble fiber and a reduction in radiation-induced diarrhea caused by pelvic radiation for prostate or gynecological cancer patients?
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Conclusion
One (1) RCT (+ quality) found that 1-2 teaspoons Metamucil, composed of psyllium fiber, taken daily during the course of pelvic radiation treatment for prostate or gynecological cancer, was effective in reducing the incidence (p = 0.030) and severity (p = 0.049) of radiation-induced diarrhea (RID). When data was analyzed excluding the use of anti-diarrheal medications, Metamucil still demonstrated a trend toward effectiveness in decreasing the incidence (p = 0.078) and severity (p = 0.107) of RID, but did not reach statistical significance. This study was limited by a high dropout rate, mostly due to failure to complete diaries. Further study is needed to evaluate the role of psyllium fiber in controlling RID.
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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.
- Evidence Summary: Soluble Fiber: Diet Changes and improved tolerance, recovery and complications from anticancer therapy and treatment
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Search Plan and Results: Soluble Fiber and Symptoms/Complications 2006
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Conclusion