Role of Biobran (Arabinoxylan Rice Bran) on Patients with Advanced Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Carcinoma of liver - renowned, has taken third position in world ranking, comparing to other causes for cancer-related death, however, curative treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is largely absent and even proper management of HCC patients is extremely difficult. The situation becomes more complex when HCC patients are attended by physicians in their terminal state. Arabinoxylan rice bran (biobran) is an inherent product and hemicellulose which is denatured, as well as gained by hemicellulose including a number of hydrolyzing enzymes of carbohydrate from Shiitake mushrooms. It enhances activities of different immune cells and may exert some effects in cancer patients.

In this observation study, the implication of biobran was assessed in a small group of 52 HCC patients. One halves of the patient received biobran and the other halves received best supportive care (BSC).

Baseline parameters in two groups were mostly comparable. During observation after 30, 60, and 90 days, a total of six, one, and one patient were alive in biobran group, respectively. The survival of cancer patients of the BSC group was comparable at these time points (6, 1, and 0, respectively) with no statistical significance. After 30 days of treatment, those who were survived in biobran group, the mean CP score was 11.00 ± 1.55 and 10.50 ± 0.84 at pretreatment and posttreatment, respectively, (p = 0.20).

Biobran may be of some benefit for terminal HCC, however, more studies are warranted to optimize dose and duration of therapy.

Ashrafujjaman M, Mahtab MA, Noor-E-Alam SM, et al. Role of Biobran (Arabinoxylan Rice Bran) on Patients with Advanced Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2023;13(2):84-88.