PD766 - PROBIOTICS AND NUTRITIONAL PRESERVATION IN PELVIC RADIOTHERAPY

PD766

PROBIOTICS AND NUTRITIONAL PRESERVATION IN PELVIC RADIOTHERAPY

S. TAIMI^1,*, O. ALAOUI HICHAMI ¹, Y. RAKII¹, I. EL MOUMNI¹, K. NOUNI¹, L. AMINE¹, H. ELKACEMI¹, T. KEBDANI¹, K. HASSOUNI¹

¹RADIOTHERAPY, INO, RABAT, Morocco

Rationale: Pelvic radiotherapy is frequently associated with gastrointestinal toxicity, leading to diarrhea, malabsorption, and subsequent nutritional deterioration. Probiotics have been proposed as a supportive strategy to preserve gut integrity and improve nutritional outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of probiotic supplementation on nutritional status in patients undergoing pelvic radiotherapy.

Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted in 38 patients receiving pelvic radiotherapy. Patients were divided into two groups: 15 patients received daily probiotic supplementation, while 23 patients received standard care without probiotics. Nutritional status was assessed using weight variation, body mass index (BMI), and incidence of treatment-related diarrhea. Data were collected at baseline and at the end of radiotherapy.

Results: At the end of treatment, the probiotic group showed significantly better preservation of nutritional status compared to the control group. Mean weight loss was lower in the probiotic group (−1.2 ± 0.8 kg) versus the control group (−3.1 ± 1.4 kg; p = 0.002). The incidence of moderate to severe diarrhea was reduced (20% vs. 52%, p = 0.04), contributing to improved oral intake. BMI reduction was also less pronounced in the probiotic group (−0.4 kg/m² vs. −1.1 kg/m²). Patients receiving probiotics reported better tolerance to treatment and fewer dietary restrictions.

Conclusion: Probiotic supplementation during pelvic radiotherapy is associated with reduced gastrointestinal toxicity and improved preservation of nutritional status. These findings support the integration of probiotics as a simple and effective nutritional strategy to enhance treatment tolerance and reduce the risk of malnutrition in this population.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared