Effect of kefir on the quality of life of patients being treated for colorectal cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To determine kefir's effect on the prevention of gastrointestinal complaints and quality of life (QOL) in patients being treated for colorectal cancer.


METHODS
Randomized, controlled, prospective, interventional study.


METHODS
Istanbul University Oncology Institute in Turkey.


METHODS
40 patients, 20 of whom were randomized to the experimental (kefir) arm and 20 who were randomized to the control arm.


METHODS
Informed consent to participate in the study was obtained. Before treatment began, demographics, illness-related characteristics, complaints, and QOL of participants were evaluated. During treatment, side effects were evaluated one week after every cycle of therapy. QOL was evaluated after the third and sixth cycles of treatment.


METHODS
The effect of kefir on the prevention of gastrointestinal complaints and QOL in patients being treated for colorectal cancer.


RESULTS
Following chemotherapy, the experimental (kefir) group had more treatment-related gastrointestinal complaints but a decrease in sleep disturbance. No difference was found between the two groups for QOL.


CONCLUSIONS
Kefir does not prevent or decrease gastrointestinal complaints in patients undergoing chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. Kefir did decrease sleep disturbances in the experimental group.


CONCLUSIONS
Many patients use complementary and alternative medicine during cancer therapy. This study may provide information about the effectiveness of kefir in patients with cancer.
Can
Gulbeyaz
G
Florence Nightingale School of Nursing, Istanbul University, Turkey. gulbeyaz@istanbul.edu.tr
Topuz
Erkan
E
Derin
Duygu
D
Durna
Zehra
Z
Aydiner
Adnan
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000451:nursing*; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D043302:Cultured Milk Products / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000451:nursing; D016896:Treatment Outcome