The Impact of Prebiotic, Fiber and Glutamine Supplementation on Bowel Symptoms and Quality of Life in Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Pelvic Radiotherapy

Akmansu M., Şentürk M. E.

TURK ONKOLOJI DERGISI, vol.40, no.42, pp.104-111, 2025 (ESCI)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 40 Issue: 42
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.5505/tjo.2025.4434
  • Journal Name: TURK ONKOLOJI DERGISI
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.104-111
  • Gazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the impact of nutritional intervention based on prebiotic, fiber and glutamine supplementation on bowel symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in prostate cancer patient undergoing pelvic radiotherapy (RT).

METHODS
A total of 20 prostate cancer patients undergoing pelvic RT were included. Data on nutritional status assessment scores (SGA and NRS-2002) and QoL questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-CR29) scale were recorded prior to pelvic RT, while the bowel symptom questionnaire was repeated every week throughout the pelvic RT.

RESULTS
Increase in daily defecation frequency (85.0%) and abdominal distension (65.0%) were the most prevalent and progressed symptoms, while fecal incontinence (20.0%), anal skin wound (15.0%) and blood in stool (10.0%) were the less prevalent symptoms. Grade 3 symptoms were observed in 13(65.0%) patients including increase in daily defecation frequency in 11(55.0%) patients. No significant difference from baseline to radiotherapy weeks or between radiotherapy weeks was noted in QoL scores.

CONCLUSION
Our findings revealed that the concomitant FOS, GOS, fiber and glutamine based nutritional intervention can be an efficient intervention for reduction of certain bowel symptoms and the maintenance of QoL scores throughout the pelvic RT in prostate cancer patients.