Effect of a fermented dairy beverage on treatment-related toxicity and inflammation in locally advanced cervical cancer patients, a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study.

Abstract

Purpose. This study aimed to analyze the effect of a probiotic-rich fermented dairy beverage, compared to a placebo, on gastrointestinal toxicity, inflammatory response, chronic toxicity, and quality of life, in locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) patients. Methods. A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled pilot study assigned LACC patients to the probiotic group (n=21) or the placebo group (n=21). Intervention with probiotic or placebo beverage began 2 weeks before treatment through 90 days after treatment. The frequency and severity of toxicity symptoms, nutritional parameters, serum cytokines, fecal calprotectin, proctopathy, and quality of life were evaluated throughout treatment. Results.Lower frequency and severity of vomit were observed in the probiotic group compared to placebo (15% vs 40%, p=0.03). No differences were observed in the frequency of symptoms among groups, including diarrhea. A trend was observed toward lower levels of inflammatory cytokines in the probiotic group. No significant differences were observed in the development of proctopathy. Conclusion.This study demonstrated the fermented dairy beverage’s beneficial effect on reducing the frequency and severity of vomit and a tendency to lower inflammation. Still, it did not provide benefits regarding other treatment-related toxicities, probably due to the small sample size. Trial Registration Number NCT05736315, retrospectively registered on February 16, 2023.