A Nutritional Approach for the Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Diarrhea in Patients with Colorectal Cancer

Salvatore Artale, Nunziata Grillo, Stefano Lepori, Chiara Butti, Antonella Bovio, Sabrina Barzaghi, Andrea Colombo, Elena Castiglioni, Lucia Barbarini, Laura Zanlorenzi, Paola Antonelli, Riccardo Caccialanza, Paolo Pedrazzoli, Mauro Moroni, Sabrina Basciani, Rebecca Azzarello, Francesco Serra, Alessandra Trojani

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study aimed to determine if dietary modifications using a nutritional regimen could prevent or reduce the incidence of cancer therapy-induced diarrhea in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer and to evaluate the relationship of Vitamin D blood levels with diarrhea severity. Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer were enrolled. A Mediterranean diet, containing some special limitations aiming to reduce the risk of diarrhea, was administered before and during the entire chemotherapy program. Enrolled patients numbering 60/137 (44%) had diarrhea during chemotherapy. Adherence to the diet was high in 36 (26.3%) patients, medium in 94 (68.6%), and low in 7 (5.1%). Mean adherence to the diet was significantly lower in patients who experienced diarrhea with maximum grade 2–3 compared to those who had no diarrhea or grade 1 diarrhea (score = 5.4 ± 1.9 vs. 7.1 ± 1.5, p < 0.001). Patients with higher adherence to the diet had a lower risk of grade 2–3 diarrhea (odds ratio: 0.5 (95% CI: 0.3–0.7, p < 0.001)). In addition, patients who completed a higher number of chemotherapy cycles had an increased risk of grade 2–3 diarrhea (odds ratio: 1.2 (95% CI: 1.0–1.5, p = 0.02)). Of note, a lower level of Vitamin D correlated with an increased risk of G2-G3 diarrhea (p = 0.03). A diet based on vegetables with a controlled fiber content, Mediterranean Modified Healthy Diet (MMHD), is useful to control the incidence of cancer therapy-induced diarrhea.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1801
JournalNutrients
Volume14
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 1 2022

Keywords

  • cancer therapy-induced diarrhea
  • colorectal cancer
  • diet
  • Vitamin D

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Food Science
  • Nutrition and Dietetics

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