Effect of probiotics on the fecal microflora after radiotherapy: a pilot study

The development of gastrointestinal symptoms following pelvic radiotherapy depends on morphological and functional modifications of the intestinal epithelium after radiation. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of preventive administration of the preparation ''5'' Strain Dophilus and Hylak on the fecal microflora after radiotherapy in patients during radiotherapy.

Fourteen patients were randomly selected and subdivided into two groups: The first group was administered ''5'' Strain Dophilus (L Group) and the second group was administered Hylak (H Group). Radiation was delivered by a Cobalt 60 unit by using the four field box technique. The doses were divided into 2 Gy per day over 5 to 7 weeks to give the total cumulative dose of 50 Gy (2 Gy/day). High risk patients (e.g., patients with prostate cancer), received dosage 65 67 Gy (2 Gy/day).

Both experimental and clinical studies have shown that probiotics can effectively modulate intestinal inflammation by altering the composition and the metabolic and functional properties of gut indigenous flora.

Many bacteria were found to be sensitive to irradiation. It would be necessary to check the possible effects of cytostatics on bacteria in larger studies.