A Pilot Study of Silymarin as Supplementation to Reduce Toxicities in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients Treated With First-Line FOLFIRI Plus Bevacizumab

Oncol Res. 2021 Sep 7;28(7):801-809. doi: 10.3727/096504021X16218531628569. Epub 2021 May 24.

Abstract

Irinotecan, a topoisomerase inhibitor, is a common cytotoxic agent prescribed for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. Diarrhea is the most common adverse event (AE). The underlying mechanism of irinotecan-induced diarrhea is intestinal mucosal damage caused by SN-38 (active metabolite of irinotecan) hydrolyzed from SN-38G (inactive metabolite) by bacterial -glucuronidase (G). According to an animal study, silymarin reduces the activity of bacterial G without impairing antitumor efficacy. We conducted a prospective open-label pilot study to evaluate the effect of silymarin as supplementation in reducing toxicities of mCRC patients undergoing irinotecan-based chemotherapy. We enrolled and randomized 70 mCRC patients receiving first-line FOLFIRI (5-fluorouracil/leucovorin/irinotecan) plus bevacizumab. In each treatment cycle, the study group was administered silymarin capsules (150 mg) three times daily for 7 days. The study group experienced less AEs in diarrhea (5.7% vs. 14.6%, p=0.002) and nausea (27.0% vs. 40.2%, p=0.005) in comparison with the control group, but no significant differences in hepatic toxicities were observed. In conclusion, simultaneous administration of silymarin is a potential effective supplementation for reducing toxicities in mCRC patients undergoing first-line FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab, especially in diarrhea and nausea.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Bevacizumab / adverse effects
  • Bevacizumab / therapeutic use*
  • Camptothecin / adverse effects
  • Camptothecin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Camptothecin / therapeutic use
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Diarrhea / etiology
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Fluorouracil / adverse effects
  • Fluorouracil / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Irinotecan / adverse effects
  • Irinotecan / therapeutic use
  • Leucovorin / adverse effects
  • Leucovorin / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nausea / etiology
  • Pilot Projects
  • Prospective Studies
  • Protective Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Silymarin / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Protective Agents
  • Silymarin
  • Bevacizumab
  • Irinotecan
  • Leucovorin
  • Fluorouracil
  • Camptothecin

Supplementary concepts

  • IFL protocol