We aimed to evaluate the radioprotective effect of hydrolyzed rice bran (HRB) on acute
gastroenteritis due to
chemoradiotherapy for treatment of
cervical cancer. This placebo-controlled, double-blind study was conducted as an exploratory investigation of the
colitis-inhibiting effects of HRB in alleviating acute-phase gastrointestinal side effects of
chemoradiotherapy. The study involved 20 patients (10 in the HRB group, 10 in the control group). The patients in the control group underwent the same
chemoradiotherapy regimen as those in the HRB group, but they received a placebo instead of HRB. The diarrheal side effect assessment score was lower in the HRB than control group, and a trend toward a reduction in
diarrhea symptoms was observed with the oral intake of HRB. Additionally, no significant difference was observed in the administration of intestinal regulators and
antidiarrheal agents, but again the assessment score was lower in the HRB than control group, and
diarrhea symptoms were alleviated with the oral intake of HRB. A trend toward no need for strong
antidiarrheal agents was seen. Although this study was an exploratory clinical trial, the results suggest that HRB may relieve
diarrhea, an acute-phase gastrointestinal side effect of
chemoradiotherapy.