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Small bowel permeability in patients with cytostatic therapy
P Kohout1, J Cerman, M Brátová
1Department of Metabolic Care and Gerontology, Teaching Hospital, Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)
|July 28, 1999
Summary
Cytostatic therapy, including fluorouracil and leucovorin, significantly damages small bowel barrier function. This study measured increased intestinal permeability in patients undergoing chemotherapy for gastrointestinal tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cytostatic therapy is a cornerstone in treating gastrointestinal cancers.
- Potential side effects on the gastrointestinal tract warrant thorough investigation.
- Understanding chemotherapy's impact on small bowel integrity is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of cytostatic therapy on small bowel barrier function.
- To quantify changes in small bowel permeability during and after chemotherapy.
- To assess the specific impact of fluorouracil and leucovorin on intestinal integrity.
Main Methods:
- Lactulose/mannitol test was employed to measure small bowel permeability.
- Study included 16 patients with gastrointestinal tumors and liver metastases.
- Measurements were taken at baseline, during, and after a 5-day course of fluorouracil and leucovorin.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in small bowel permeability was observed.
- The permeability index was notably higher 7 days after therapy completion.
- Chemotherapy demonstrably impaired the barrier function of the small intestine.
Conclusions:
- Cytostatic therapy, specifically fluorouracil and leucovorin, adversely affects small bowel barrier function.
- Chemotherapy-induced intestinal permeability changes can have clinical implications.
- Further research is needed to explore strategies for mitigating this side effect.