Effect of a specific supplement enriched with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on markers of inflammation, oxidative stress and metabolic status of ear, nose and throat cancer patients

Oncol Rep. 2014 Jan;31(1):405-14. doi: 10.3892/or.2013.2806. Epub 2013 Oct 23.

Abstract

Malnutrition affects 40-50% of patients with ear, nose and throat (ENT) cancer. The aim of this study was to assess changes induced by a specific nutritional supplement enriched with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, fiber and greater amounts of proteins and electrolytes, as compared with a standard nutritional supplement, on markers of inflammation, oxidative stress and metabolic status of ENT cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT). Fourteen days after starting RT, 26 patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups, 13 supplemented with Prosure, an oncologic formula enriched with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, fiber and greater amounts of proteins and electrolytes (specific supplement), and 13 supplemented with Standard-Isosource (standard supplement). Patients were evaluated before RT, and 14, 28 and 90 days after starting RT. The results showed that there were no significant differences between the groups, but greater changes were observed in the standard supplement group, such as a decline in body mass index (BMI), reductions in hematocrit, erythrocyte, eosinophil and albumin levels, and a rise in creatinine and urea levels. We concluded that metabolic, inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters were altered during RT, and began to normalize at the end of the study. Patients supplemented with Prosure showed an earlier normalization of these parameters, with more favorable changes in oxidative stress markers and a more balanced evolution, although the difference was not significant.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / metabolism
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Body Mass Index
  • C-Reactive Protein / analysis
  • Dietary Fiber / therapeutic use
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Ear Neoplasms / complications*
  • Ear Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Ear Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Electrolytes / therapeutic use
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Glutathione Peroxidase / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / metabolism
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Interleukin-6 / blood
  • Male
  • Malnutrition / drug therapy*
  • Malnutrition / etiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Nose Neoplasms / complications*
  • Nose Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Nose Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects*
  • Pharyngeal Neoplasms / complications*
  • Pharyngeal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Pharyngeal Neoplasms / radiotherapy

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Biomarkers
  • Dietary Fiber
  • Electrolytes
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated
  • IL6 protein, human
  • Interleukin-6
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Glutathione Peroxidase