Chitapanarux, I., Chitapanarux, T., Traisathit, P., Kudumpee, S., Tharavichitkul, E., & Lorvidhaya, V. (2010). Randomized controlled trial of live lactobacillus acidophilus plus bifidobacterium bifidum in prophylaxis of diarrhea during radiotherapy in cervical cancer patients. Radiation Oncology, 5, 31.
To determine if the combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus plus Bifidobacterium bifidum is effective in preventing diarrhea in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer receiving radiation therapy
Patients were randomized to receive either L. acidophilus plus Bifidobacterium bifidum or placebo capsules. Beginning 7 days before and continuing throughout the entire time of receiving radiotherapy, participants took 2 capsules, 2 times each day before breakfast and dinner. Patients needing antidiarrheal medication were given loperamide (2 mg).
The study was conducted in Thailand.
All patients were undergoing the active treatment phase of care.
This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
The National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria, version 2, was used.
The prophylactic use of the combination of live L. acidophilus plus Bifidobacterium bifidum was shown to be effective in decreasing the severity of diarrhea.
The prophylactic use of L. acidophilus plus Bifidobacterium bifidum may decrease the severity of diarrhea, improve stool consistency, and reduce the need for antidiarrheal medication in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer undergoing pelvic radiation with concomitant weekly cisplatin. Further studies need to be done with larger samples.