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Chemotherapy-induced lactose intolerance in adults
H L Parnes1, E Fung, C A Schiffer
1University of Maryland Cancer Center, Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Baltimore 21201.
Cancer
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Chemotherapy may cause lactose malabsorption, but symptomatic lactose intolerance is rare in cancer patients. Dietary milk restriction is not recommended unless symptoms develop.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Anorexia and weight loss are common in cancer patients, increasing morbidity and mortality.
- Chemotherapy's impact on nutritional status is a significant concern.
- Lactose intolerance is hypothesized to be a chemotherapy-induced complication affecting nutrition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if chemotherapy induces lactose intolerance in cancer patients.
- To assess the effect of chemotherapy on lactose metabolism.
- To determine if lactose intolerance impacts nutritional status during cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-seven cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were evaluated.
- Lactose breath hydrogen testing (LBHT) objectively measured lactose malabsorption.
- LBHT assesses hydrogen gas production from bacterial degradation of unabsorbed lactose in the colon.
Main Results:
- 30% of patients showed abnormal post-chemotherapy LBHT results.
- Overall, post-chemotherapy LBHT values were significantly higher than pre-chemotherapy values (P=0.04).
- Only 11% of patients developed symptomatic lactose intolerance post-chemotherapy.
Conclusions:
- Chemotherapy can interfere with lactose metabolism.
- Symptomatic lactose intolerance is uncommon in patients receiving chemotherapy.
- Dietary restriction of milk products is not advised unless symptoms are present.