Abstract
In Japan, S-1 plus cisplatin has become a standard regimen for the treatment of unresectable advanced gastric cancer; however, many patients are unable to continue effective chemotherapy because of the regimen’s severe side effects. Thus, control of drug toxicity is key to prolonging patient survival. Fucoidan is a major sulfated polysaccharide found in brown seaweeds and has a wide range of biological activities. In the present study, we analyzed the effect of fucoidan on suppressing the toxicity of chemotherapy drugs. Twenty-four patients with unresectable advanced gastric cancer underwent treatment with S-1 plus cisplatin and were randomly allocated into a fucoidan treatment group (n = 12) or a control group without fucoidan treatment (n = 12). The study results demonstrated that fucoidan controlled the occurrence of fatigue during chemotherapy and patients could continue chemotherapy for longer time periods by maintaining the patients’ favorable nourishment status. As a result, the survival of patients with fucoidan treatment was longer than that of patients without fucoidan. Thus, fucoidan should be included as a key food supplement for patients with gastrointestinal carcinomas who are suffering from the adverse side effects of chemotherapy.
Highlights
Outcomes are extremely poor in patients with unresectable gastric cancer
We investigated whether fucoidan could reduce the toxicity associated with the chemotherapy treatment of patients who were diagnosed with unresectable gastric cancer at Tottori University Hospital using a randomized study and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) 0 and 1
Between April 2010 and June 2014, 24 patients who were diagnosed with unresectable advanced gastric cancer and who were to undergo S-1 plus cisplatin chemotherapy in our hospital were enrolled in the study
Summary
Outcomes are extremely poor in patients with unresectable gastric cancer. To prolong the survival of these patients, it is important to continue effective chemotherapy for as long as possible. Casaretto et al [1] reported that chemotherapy increased the 1-year survival rate, provided a longer symptom-free period and improved the quality of life (QOL) of patients. The severe side effects of this treatment mean it is difficult for most patients to continue the S-1 plus cisplatin regimen [3], and many patients suffer from reduced QOL [4]. It is clinically important to reduce the toxicity of the chemotherapy regimen so it can be more effective for these patients
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