Antitumoral Agent-Induced Constipation: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Constipation is a frequent adverse effect in patients undergoing antitumoral therapy.
• The precise mechanisms causing antitumoral agent-induced constipation (ATAIC) remain unclear.
• Understanding ATAIC is crucial for improving patient quality of life during cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize existing literature on the prevalence, etiology, and treatment of ATAIC.
• To identify gaps in current knowledge regarding ATAIC.
• To provide a foundation for future research directions.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines was performed.
• Included studies were published in English, French, or Spanish, focusing on human subjects with cancer.
• Data extraction covered prevalence, etiological factors, and therapeutic interventions for ATAIC.

Main Results:

• Seventy-three articles were included in the review.
• Reported ATAIC prevalence varied significantly, from 0.8% to 86.6%, with six studies exceeding 50%.
• High-grade constipation (grades 3 and 4) ranged from 0% to 11%. Treatments like acupuncture, probiotics, and moxibustion showed promise.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of constipation in patients receiving antitumoral treatment is highly variable.
• There is a need for well-designed studies specifically reporting the prevalence of antineoplastic treatment-induced constipation.
• Neuroprotection is highlighted as a potential therapeutic strategy for managing chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal disorders, emphasizing the role of enteric neuronal integrity.