A Pilot Study of Silymarin as Supplementation to Reduce Toxicities in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients Treated With First-Line FOLFIRI Plus Bevacizumab

Tsung Kun Chang, Tzu Chieh Yin, Wei Chih Su, Hsiang Lin Tsai, Ching Wen Huang, Yen Cheng Chen, Ching Chun Li, Po Jung Chen, Cheng Jen Ma, Kuo Hsiang Chuang, Tian Lu Cheng, Jaw Yuan Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Irinotecan, a topoisomerase inhibitor, is a common cytotoxic agent prescribed for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. Diarrhea is the most common adverse event (AE). The underlying mechanism of irinotecan-induced diarrhea is intestinal mucosal damage caused by SN-38 (active metabolite of irinotecan) hydrolyzed from SN-38G (inactive metabolite) by bacterial -glucuronidase (G). According to an animal study, silymarin reduces the activity of bacterial G without impairing antitumor efficacy. We conducted a prospective open-label pilot study to evaluate the effect of silymarin as supplementation in reducing toxicities of mCRC patients undergoing irinotecan-based chemotherapy. We enrolled and randomized 70 mCRC patients receiving first-line FOLFIRI (5-fluorouracil/leucovorin/irinotecan) plus bevacizumab. In each treatment cycle, the study group was administered silymarin capsules (150 mg) three times daily for 7 days. The study group experienced less AEs in diarrhea (5.7% vs. 14.6%, p=0.002) and nausea (27.0% vs. 40.2%, p=0.005) in comparison with the control group, but no significant differences in hepatic toxicities were observed. In conclusion, simultaneous administration of silymarin is a potential effective supplementation for reducing toxicities in mCRC patients undergoing first-line FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab, especially in diarrhea and nausea.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)801-809
Number of pages9
JournalOncology Research
Volume28
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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