Moreno, V.V., Vidal, J.B., Alemany, H.M., Salvia, A.S., Serentill, M.L., Montero, I.C., . . . Padró, J.G. (2006). Prevention of irinotecan associated diarrhea by intestinal alkalization. A pilot study in gastrointestinal cancer patients. Clinical and Translational Oncology, 8, 208–212.

DOI Link

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

Two grams of powdered NaHCO3 diluted in 250 ml water was sipped during the days of irinotecan administration, starting in the morning. Other fluids were taken ad lib.

Sample Characteristics

  • N = 24
  • KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Patients with gastrointestinal carcinoma 
  • OTHER KEY SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS: Patients receiving varying irinotecan-based regimens 

Setting

  • SITE: Multi-site
  • LOCATION: Four Spanish community practice settings

Study Design

  • Experimental, interventional, prospective study
    • No control

Measurement Instruments/Methods

  • Diarrhea grade, although no mention of which grading scale was used

Results

Four of 24 patients (16%) had grade III–IV diarrhea (8 had prior pelvic radiation therapy, a risk factor associated with diarrhea). Comparison was made to incidence of grade II–IV diarrhea in previous colorectal cancer studies. The researchers’ conclusion was that intestinal alkalization may be effective in preventing diarrhea with patients with gastrointestinal cancer receiving irinotecan.


 

Limitations

  • Uncontrolled trial
  • Small numbers