Zinc supplementation during chemotherapy for gynecological malignancy

To determine the significance of zinc supplementation for zinc deficiency during chemotherapy for gynecologic malignancies.

Twenty-eight patients suspected of zinc deficiency before chemotherapy were prospectively evaluated. Gustatory test, serum zinc, blood count, and biochemical examinations were made pre-chemotherapy at 3- and 6-week intervals. Patients with serum zinc levels <70 μg were prescribed oral zinc acetate hydrate (167.8 mg/day) for 3 weeks. The primary outcome was efficacy of zinc supplementation, the secondary outcomes were zinc deficiency rates and adverse effects of the zinc supplement.

Fifteen (mean serum zinc level: 67.4 ± 6.2 μg/dL) out of 28 patients were administered zinc supplementation pre-chemotherapy, and subsequent serum zinc levels reached 83.2 ± 15.3 μg/dL in 3 weeks. Factors associated with chemotherapy (vs. chemoradiation, p = 0.041) and taxane + platinum (p = 0.048) were significant risk factors for decreasing zinc levels following chemotherapy. Although patients that required zinc supplementation showed decreased serum zinc levels after chemotherapy and tended to experience taste alteration (sour: p = 0.041), zinc supplementation for zinc deficiency during chemotherapy did not alter taste perception.

Zinc supplementation promptly increased serum levels without major complications and may prevent an alteration in taste perception.