Effects of a dietary intervention on gastrointestinal symptoms after prostate cancer radiotherapy : Long-term results from a randomized controlled trial

• BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:To evaluate the long-term effects of dietary intervention on gastrointestinal symptoms after highly dose-escalated radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer, using boost with protons or high-dose-rate brachytherapy.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Patients were randomized to an intervention group (n=64) advised to reduce insoluble dietary fiber and lactose intake, or to a standard care group (n=66) advised to continue their usual diet. Gastrointestinal symptoms, other domains of health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and dietary intake were evaluated for ⩽24months post-radiotherapy with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality-of-life questionnaires QLQ-C30 and QLQ-PR25, Gastrointestinal Side Effects Questionnaire, and Food Frequency Questionnaire. The effect of the intervention on gastrointestinal symptoms was evaluated using generalized estimating equations.RESULTS:Dietary intervention had no obvious effect on long-term gastrointestinal symptoms or HRQOL. The intervention group markedly reduced their dietary fiber and lactose intake during radiotherapy, but adherence tended to decline over time. The vast majority of long-term gastrointestinal symptoms were reported as 'a little', with a noticeable difference from pre-treatment only for unintentional stool leakage, limitations on daily activities, and mucus discharge.CONCLUSION:Long-term gastrointestinal symptoms were predominantly mild, and dietary intervention was not superior to a usual diet in preventing these symptoms.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Cancer och onkologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cancer and Oncology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Prostate cancer

radiotherapy

dietary intervention

long term gastrointestinal symptoms

Medical Science

Medicinsk vetenskap

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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