Quality of Life of Patients with Colorectal Cancer Using Glutamine

Abstract

Introduction: Measurement of the quality of life (QOL) of cancer patients is an important resource to evaluate the results of treatment according to the patient's perspective. Evidence has shown that glutamine can improve the QOL of patients with malignancies, decreasing the side effects of anticancer therapy. Objective: To analyze the literature, based on scientific evidence, in order to elucidate the effects of dietary supplementation with glutamine on the QOL of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Method: Articles from the following databases were assessed: Cochrane, BDENF, HISA, LILACS, MedCarib, MEDLINE, PAHO and WHOLIS from January 1980 to December 2010, using the keywords quality of life, colorectal neoplasms/cancer and glutamine, in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Results: 49 articles were selected because they met the established inclusion criteria; of these, 93.2% and 6.8% wre found in Cochrane and LILACS databases respectively. Articles obtained: 2.0% (n=1) from 1980 to 1989, 16.3% (n=8) from 1990 to 1999 and 81.7% (n=40) from 2000 to 2010. The latest 25 out of the 49 chosen articles comprise this review. It It was noticed that the number of publications has increased in the last three decades, showing great interest of researchers in conducting studies on QOL of cancer bearers. Conclusion: The qualitative analysis of the contents showed that supplementation with glutamine has an impact on the QOL of patients with CRC, due to its possible effects in stimulating the growth of gastrointestinal mucosa, decreasing the incidence and severity of peripheral neuropathy, improving immune response, lessening post-surgery complications and reducing hospital stay.