Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Lactobacillus (mixed strains) has been investigated for its potential to reduce certain side effects of chemotherapy, particularly gastrointestinal complications such as diarrhea and mucositis. Chemotherapy can disrupt the normal gut microbiota, leading to dysbiosis, which in turn contributes to these symptoms. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have shown that probiotics containing Lactobacillus strains can modestly reduce the incidence and severity of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea, especially in pediatric patients and those undergoing colorectal cancer treatment. The proposed mechanisms include restoration of the gut microbial balance, enhancement of the intestinal barrier function, and modulation of local immune responses. However, the evidence is not uniformly robust—results vary depending on the specific strains used, the type of cancer, the chemotherapy regimen, and patient populations. Safety is generally good, but immunocompromised patients must be monitored for rare cases of probiotic-associated infections. Current clinical guidelines do not universally recommend probiotics for all chemotherapy patients but acknowledge that certain subgroups may benefit. Overall, there is moderate scientific support for the use of mixed Lactobacillus strains to help reduce some chemotherapy side effects, but more large, well-designed studies are needed to clarify optimal formulations, dosing, and patient selection.

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