1.
Randomized Clinical Trial: Probiotics Alleviated Oral-Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis and Thyroid Hormone Withdrawal-Related Complications in Thyroid Cancer Patients Before Radioiodine Therapy Following Thyroidectomy.
Lin, B, Zhao, F, Liu, Y, Wu, X, Feng, J, Jin, X, Yan, W, Guo, X, Shi, S, Li, Z, et al
Frontiers in endocrinology. 2022;13:834674
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
The occurrence of thyroid cancer has increased in recent years. Part of the treatment for this disease is removal of the thyroid gland and then the administration of radioactive iodine. To help aid the uptake of radioactive iodine, individuals may need to withdraw from their thyroid hormone therapy, known as thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW). This is however accompanied by side effects such as fatigue, constipation, and weight gain, all of which have been hypothesised to be due to gut microbiota dysbiosis. This randomised control trial aimed to determine any gut and oral microbiota signatures in 50 individuals who have undergone THW because of thyroid cancer and to see if probiotics have any beneficial effects. The results showed that gut and oral microbiota diversity was decreased after THW. Upon the administration of probiotics, diversity was restored, energy and blood lipid levels were improved, and weight gain and a dry mouth were alleviated. It was concluded that probiotics reduce the occurrence of side effects following THW, which may be related to the modification of oral and gut microbiota diversity. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand that probiotics may be of benefit to improve the side effects associated with THW in individuals with thyroid cancer.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW) in postoperative thyroid cancer patients who need always accompanied by complications (e.g., dyslipidemia and constipation). At present, there are no effective and safe means to alleviate these complications. PURPOSE We aimed to assess the oral-gut microbiota profiles in THW patients then investigate whether probiotics could alleviating alleviate THW related complications and investigate whether these therapeutic effects were associated with the oral-gut microbiota state. METHODS Fifty eligible thyroid carcinoma patients undergoing thyroidectomy were randomly assigned to receive probiotics or placebo during THW. Complications were assessed through validated questionnaires and plasma lipid indicators. The complex probiotics preparation was composed of Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Bacillus cereus. RESULTS Probiotics alleviated lack of energy, constipation, weight gain, and dry mouth and decreased the levels of fecal/serum LPS and plasma lipid indicators (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein A) (P < 0.05). Gut and oral microbial diversity were significantly decreased after THW, while an increased microbial dysbiosis index (MDI) was observed. Probiotics distinctly restored the gut and oral microbial diversity. Increased Holdemanella, Enterococcus, and Coprococcus_2, while decreased Fusobacterium, Eubacterium_ruminantium_group, Ruminococcus_1, and Parasutterella in the gut were found after probiotics intervention. Lack of energy, constipation, weight gain, and dyslipidemia were seen to be related to the above microbiota. In addition, probiotics reduced oral Prevotella_9, Haemophilus, Fusobacterium, and Lautropia, which were positively correlated with the occurrence of dry mouth. CONCLUSION Probiotics reduce the incidence of complications in patients after THW, which may be related to modifying the oral and gut microbiota. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION [https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier America Clinical Trial Registry NCT03574051.
2.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised trial evaluating the effect of a polyphenol-rich whole food supplement on PSA progression in men with prostate cancer--the U.K. NCRN Pomi-T study.
Thomas, R, Williams, M, Sharma, H, Chaudry, A, Bellamy, P
Prostate cancer and prostatic diseases. 2014;17(2):180-6
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Plain language summary
Green tea, pomegranate, curcumin and broccoli have been shown to have anti-cancer effects in pre-clinical studies. The aim of this double-blind placebo controlled trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of a combination of wholefood extracts from these foods in men with prostate cancer as evaluated by progression of PSA (prostate specific antigen), a prostate cancer marker, over a six months intervention period. There was a statistically and clinically significant reduction in PSA progression in the supplement group compared to the placebo group, and significantly more men in the supplement group had no PSA progression compared to placebo group. The number of adverse effects was not statistically significantly different between the two groups. No interactions were seen between the supplement and warfarin and blood pressure lowering medication. The authors conclude that this wholefood supplement offers significant short-term benefits, and encourage larger studies into longer term benefits.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polyphenol-rich foods such as pomegranate, green tea, broccoli and turmeric have demonstrated anti-neoplastic effects in laboratory models involving angiogenesis, apoptosis and proliferation. Although some have been investigated in small, phase II studies, this combination has never been evaluated within an adequately powered randomised controlled trial. METHODS In total, 199 men, average age 74 years, with localised prostate cancer, 60% managed with primary active surveillance (AS) or 40% with watchful waiting (WW) following previous interventions, were randomised (2:1) to receive an oral capsule containing a blend of pomegranate, green tea, broccoli and turmeric, or an identical placebo for 6 months. RESULTS The median rise in PSA in the food supplement group (FSG) was 14.7% (95% confidence intervals (CIs) 3.4-36.7%), as opposed to 78.5% in the placebo group (PG) (95% CI 48.1-115.5%), difference 63.8% (P=0.0008). In all, 8.2% of men in the FSG and 27.7% in the PG opted to leave surveillance at the end of the intervention (χ2 P=0.014). There were no significant differences within the predetermined subgroups of age, Gleason grade, treatment category or body mass index. There were no differences in cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, C-reactive protein or adverse events. CONCLUSIONS This study found a significant short-term, favourable effect on the percentage rise in PSA in men managed with AS and WW following ingestion of this well-tolerated, specific blend of concentrated foods. Its influence on decision-making suggests that this intervention is clinically meaningful, but further trials will evaluate longer term clinical effects, and other makers of disease progression.
3.
Efficacy of IP6 + inositol in the treatment of breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: prospective, randomized, pilot clinical study.
Bacić, I, Druzijanić, N, Karlo, R, Skifić, I, Jagić, S
Journal of experimental & clinical cancer research : CR. 2010;29:12
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, ionising radiation, hormone therapy and supportive measures that aim to reduce the side effects of treatment. Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) is a naturally occurring compound which is important in regulating vital cellular functions and has been shown to have anticancer properties. The aim of this randomised, controlled pilot study was to evaluate if the combination of IP6+Inositol alongside traditional chemotherapy will increase efficacy and decrease side effects of chemotherapy, and improve the quality of life. 14 breast cancer patients were randomised to receive either IP6+inositol or vitamin C (control, amount not reported) for 6 months during chemotherapy. Patients receiving IP6+inositol had significantly better quality of life and functional status and significantly less side effects than the control group. Unlike the control group, patients on IP6+inositol had no drop in white blood cells and platelets (common side effects of chemotherapy). There was no difference in other blood tests and tumour markers between the groups. The authors conclude that IP6+ Inositol, used as an adjunctive therapy, may help ameliorating side effects of chemotherapy and preserve quality of life in breast cancer patients.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prospective, randomized, pilot clinical study was conducted to evaluate the beneficial effects of inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) + Inositol in breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with invasive ductal breast cancer where polychemotherapy was indicated were monitored in the period from 2005-2007. Fourteen patients in the same stage of ductal invasive breast cancer were involved in the study, divided in two randomized groups. One group was subjected to take IP6 + Inositol while the other group was taking placebo. In both groups of patients the same laboratory parameters were monitored. When the treatment was finished, all patients have filled questionnaires QLQ C30 and QLQ-BR23 to determine the quality of life. RESULTS Patients receiving chemotherapy, along with IP6 + Inositol did not have cytopenia, drop in leukocyte and platelet counts. Red blood cell counts and tumor markers were unaltered in both groups. However, patients who took IP6 + Inositol had significantly better quality of life (p = 0.05) and functional status (p = 0.0003) and were able to perform their daily activities. CONCLUSION IP6 + Inositol as an adjunctive therapy is valuable help in ameliorating the side effects and preserving quality of life among the patients treated with chemotherapy.