Gut microbiome dysbiosis and cancer: A systematic review on the emerging role of probiotics in oncology.
Marjan Salehi, Andrea Gottardo, Tancredi Didier Bazan Russo et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review evaluated the impact of probiotic supplementation in cancer patients, focusing on its clinical effects. The review included various studies, revealing that probiotics were associated with a reduction in clinically relevant diarrhea, particularly severe cases, during chemotherapy. Additionally, probiotics showed potential benefits in gastrointestinal recovery post-surgery.
Key findings
- Probiotic supplementation reduced clinically relevant diarrhea in chemotherapy patients.
- Meta-analyses indicated improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and bloating.
- In colorectal surgery, probiotics were linked to fewer postoperative infections and shorter hospital stays.
Why it matters
Understanding the role of probiotics in managing gastrointestinal toxicity and recovery in cancer patients can enhance supportive care strategies, potentially improving patient outcomes during treatment and recovery phases.
What to keep in mind
Heterogeneity in study designs, formulations, and outcome definitions; few large-scale trials; limited reporting on adverse events.