Effects of a dietary intervention on gastrointestinal symptoms after prostate cancer radiotherapy: Long-term results from a randomized controlled trial - Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term effects of dietary intervention on gastrointestinal symptoms after highly dose-escalated radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer, using boost with protons or high-dose-rate brachytherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were randomized to an intervention group (n=64) advised to reduce insoluble dietary fiber and lactose intake, or to a standard care group (n=66) advised to continue their usual diet. Gastrointestinal symptoms, other domains of health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and dietary intake were evaluated for ⩽ 24months post-radiotherapy with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality-of-life questionnaires QLQ-C30 and QLQ-PR25, Gastrointestinal Side Effects Questionnaire, and Food Frequency Questionnaire. The effect of the intervention on gastrointestinal symptoms was evaluated using generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS: Dietary intervention had no obvious effect on long-term gastrointestinal symptoms or HRQOL. The intervention group markedly reduced their dietary fiber and lactose intake during radiotherapy, but adherence tended to decline over time. The vast majority of long-term gastrointestinal symptoms were reported as 'a little', with a noticeable difference from pre-treatment only for unintentional stool leakage, limitations on daily activities, and mucus discharge.

CONCLUSION: Long-term gastrointestinal symptoms were predominantly mild, and dietary intervention was not superior to a usual diet in preventing these symptoms.

Written by:
Pettersson A, Nygren P, Persson C, Berglund A, Turesson I, Johansson B.   Are you the author?
Department of Radiology, Oncology and Radiation Science, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Pfizer AB, Sollentuna, Sweden. ; ; ; ; ;

Reference: Radiother Oncol. 2014 Nov;113(2):240-7.
doi: 10.1016/j.radonc.2014.11.025


PubMed Abstract
PMID: 25467005

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