Liu, J., & Huang, X.E. (2014). Efficacy of bifidobacterium tetragenous viable bacteria tablets for cancer patients with functional constipation. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 15, 10241–10244.
To determine the efficacy and tolerance of using a probiotic to treat functional constipation in patients receiving chemotherapy
All patients received chemotherapy appropriate for their diagnosis. Patients were divided into two groups. The treatment group received, in addition to chemotherapy, Bifidobacterium tetragenous viable bacteria tablets three times a day for four weeks.
There was significant improvement of functional constipation (p < 0.05) with the use of four Bifidobacterium tetragenous viable bacteria tablets.
Probiotics may be beneficial for some patients receiving chemotherapy who suffer from functional constipation.
Additional research on the use of probiotics and a variety of chemotherapy regimens in patients with functional constipation needs to be completed.