title: MS-20, a chemotherapeutical adjuvant, reduces chemo-associated fatigue and appetite loss in cancer patients.
abstract: A small pilot study of the fermented soybean extract MicrSoy-20(MS-20) demonstrated its ability to restore chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression and improve quality of life (QoL). This randomized, cross-over, comparative trial was conducted to confirm the effects of MS-20 on QoL and to understand its underlying mechanism when used in conjunction with chemotherapy. One hundred forty-three patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy were randomly assigned to 2 groups. Group 1 was administered MS-20 for 1 wk followed by 3 wk of concomitant MS-20 plus chemotherapy. Group 2 was administered chemotherapy for 3 wk. QoL was assessed by the EORTC/QLQ-C30 questionnaire and visual analogue scales (VAS). Changes in immunological parameters and antioxidant profiles were also examined. Significant increases were observed in EORTC/QLQ-C30 scores for physical (4.45, P = 0.023) and social (3.99, P = 0.023) functioning in Group 1 patients compared to Group 2 patients. VAS scores for fatigue and appetite loss significantly improved with MS-20 treatment (P < 0.001). Group 1 patients exhibited smaller decreases in peripheral blood mononuclear cells compared to Group 2 patients (P = 0.026). Other immunological parameters, antioxidant, and safety profiles were not significantly different between treatment groups. Addition of MS-20 as an adjuvant to chemotherapy can be effective in improving QoL for cancer patients.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Radiation Therapy and Oncology , Shin-Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan.
authors.forename: Kwan-Hwa
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Chi
authors.forename: Tzeon-Jye
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Chiou
authors.forename: Chung-Pin
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Sheng-Yu
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Yee
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chao
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001066:Appetite / Q000187:drug effects*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000379:methods; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D023381:Endpoint Determination; D005221:Fatigue / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D013025:Glycine max / Q000737:chemistry; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D064232:Visual Analog Scale; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts