Probiotics for prevention of radiation-induced diarrhea: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Radiotherapy is commonly used for abdominal or pelvic cancer, and patients receiving radiotherapy have a high risk developing to an acute radiation-induced diarrhea. Several previous studies have discussed the effect of probiotics on prevention of radiation-induced diarrhea, but the results are still inconsistent.

Objective

We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy of probiotic supplementation for prevention the radiation-induced diarrhea.

Methods

Relevant RCTs studies assessing the effect of probiotic supplementation on clinical outcomes compared with placebo were searched in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases (up to March 30 2016). Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 and H2, and publication

SUBMITTER: Liu MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5456391 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature