The Effects of Probiotic-Prebiotic Use on Acute Inflammatory Parameters in Patients Receiving Pelvic Radiotherapy: A...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Clinical Nutrition

Background:

• First prospective clinical study evaluating prebiotic and probiotic impact on acute radiation-induced pelvic side effects and serum cytokine levels.
• Focuses on patients with pelvic malignancies undergoing radiotherapy.
• Investigates changes in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6 levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of prebiotic and probiotic supplementation in mitigating acute side effects of pelvic radiotherapy.
• To evaluate the effect of these supplements on serum cytokine profiles during radiotherapy.
• To compare outcomes between patients receiving probiotics + prebiotics, prebiotics alone, and no supplementation.

Main Methods:

• Multicenter prospective study involving 80 patients with pelvic cancers.
• Patients randomized into three groups: probiotic + prebiotic, prebiotic only, and nonsupplemented.
• Serum cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-6) and side effect scores assessed pre-radiotherapy and at week five.

Main Results:

• Prebiotic-only group showed increased fecal incontinence and blood/mucus in stool.
• Probiotic + prebiotic group exhibited increased dysuria and impotence.
• Combined probiotic + prebiotic group demonstrated no significant increase in cytokine levels or intestinal side effects.

Conclusions:

• The combination of probiotics and prebiotics may mitigate radiation-induced intestinal side effects.
• This combination appears to prevent significant increases in inflammatory markers (cytokines) during pelvic radiotherapy.
• Probiotics, in conjunction with prebiotics, show potential for managing treatment toxicity in oncology patients.