• Intervention
    Is there a relationship between the intake of soluble fiber and the reduction of symptoms associated in patients with prostate cancer?
    • Conclusion

      One (1) nonrandomized controlled trial (ø quality), designed to evaluate the effect of modified citrus pectin (MCP) on prostate-specific antigen doubling time (PSADT) in prostate cancer patients, found that 7 of 10 evaluable subjects (70%) had a statistically significant increase (p > 0.005) in their PSADT after taking 14.4 g daily of MCP for twelve months.  No subject's absolute PSA decreased.  The study was limited by small sample size, and the study period was not long enough to determine the actual impact of increased PSADT on survival.  Further study is needed to determine the role of MCP in the treatment of prostate cancer.

    • 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: Soluble Fiber and Symptoms/Complications 2006
       
    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?
    • 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.

       

    • 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: Soluble Fiber and Symptoms/Complications 2006