Oncology

ONC: Probiotics (2006)

• 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.
  • Evidence Summary: Probiotics: Diet changes and improved tolerance, recovery and complications from anticancer therapy and treatment
    • Detail
    • Quality Rating Summary
      For a summary of the Quality Rating results, click here.
    • Worksheets
      • Delia P, Sansotta G, Donato V, Messina G, Frosina P, Pergolizzi S, De Renzis C. Prophylaxis of diarrhoea in patients submitted to radiotherapeutic treatment on pelvic district: personal experience. Dig Liver Dis. 2002 Sep;34 Suppl 2:S84-6.
      • Henriksson R, Franzen L, Sandstrom K, Nordin A, Arevarn M, Grahn E. Effects of active addition of bacterial cultures in fermented milk to patients with chronic bowel discomfort following irradiation. Support Care Cancer. 1995 Jan;3(1):81-3.
        
      • Salminen S, Isolauri E, Salminen E. Clinical uses of probiotics for stabilizing the gut mucosal barrier: successful strains and future challenges. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek. 1996;70(2-4):347-58.
      • Urbancsek H, Kazar T, Mezes I, Neumann K. Results of a double-blind, randomized study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Antibiophilus in patients with radiation-induced diarrhoea.Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2001 Apr;13(4):391-6.
  • Search Plan and Results: Probiotics and Symptoms/Complications 2004