Role of probiotics in patients with colorectal cancer: a systematic review protocol of randomised controlled trial studies

Abstract

IntroductionColorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity worldwide and it has been reported to be associated with poor lifestyle habits which include excess tobacco and alcohol intake as well as genetics and age factors. Probiotics such as the lactic acid bacteria and Bifidobacterium as well as probiotic containing foods (kombucha, kefir, miso etc) have received lots of attention as anticancer agents for prevention and treatment. The effects of the administration of probiotics to patients with colorectal cancer is the primary goal of this systematic review. The overall aim is to assess how the use of probiotics in patients with colorectal cancer helps in the management of colorectal cancer and its effect on the diversity of gut microbiota. The final systematic review will provide a comprehensive evidence base for the use and efficacy of probiotics in patient with colorectal cancer care.Methods and analysisThe systematic review, will be conducted by extensively searching different databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Wiley and ProQuest to identify randomised controlled trials (with no time frame) which relate to the administration of probiotics to patients with colorectal cancer. The search strategy will include words like colorectal cancer, probiotics, Bifidobacterium, clinical trials etc. A systematic search of databases was performed between 17 and 20 January 2020. Two reviewers will independently review the studies and also search the reference lists of the eligible studies to obtain more references. Data will be extracted from the eligible studies using standardised data extraction form. After assessing the risk of bias, qualitative analysis will be used to synthesise the systematic review.Ethics and disseminationThis is a protocol for a systematic review; therefore, it doesn’t require any ethics approval. We intend to disseminate the protocol in a peer reviewed journal.

Exploring the Role of the Gut Microbiota in Colorectal Cancer Development

“…Some microorganisms can suppress the progression and metastasis of CRC [83][84][85][86]. For instance, several probiotics have the potential to decrease DNA damage and inflammation.…”

Early-onset colorectal cancer: Current insights and future directions

“…Probiotics have long been marketed to the general public as a dietary supplement for their potential beneficial effects on the gut[ 66 ]. The replenishment of beneficial intestinal microbial communities may help stimulate epithelial cell proliferation, reduce pathogenic overgrowth, ameliorate gut inflammation, and potentially reduce the risk of CRC[ 67 - 69 ]. Studies have also shown that certain strains of probiotics may be effective as an adjuvant agent to CRC treatment[ 70 ].…”

The Impact of Prebiotic, Probiotic, and Synbiotic Supplements and Yogurt Consumption on the Risk of Colorectal Neoplasia among Adults: A Systematic Review

“…Previous systematic reviews have examined the impact of prebiotics and probiotics on gut microbial or CRC outcomes, including colonic inflammatory markers, microbial diversity, and postoperative complications after CRC resection [13][14][15][16]. However, no reviews to date have focused on the effect of prebiotic and probiotic supplementation on incidence of colorectal neoplasia in population-based studies.…”