Effect of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on quality of life in rectal cancer patients undergoing preoperative Chemoradiotherapy

OBJECTIVES: This study set out with the aim of evaluating the effect of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation on quality of life in rectal cancer patients undergoing to preoperative chemoradiotherapy. METHODS: In this study, 33 volunteer patients with rectal cancer treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy were allocated in the CLA (n=16) and the placebo groups (n=17). The CLA group and placebo groups received 3 gr CLA/d and 4 placebo capsules for 6 weeks respectively. Before and after intervention, quality of life of patients was assessed by EORTC QLQ-C30. RESULTS: At the end of study, the mean scores of physical function, role function, and cognitive function enhanced significantly in the CLA group while reduced remarkably in the placebo group. Symptom scales improved in the CLA group at the end of study. Comparison of changes in fatigue, pain and diarrhea scores were statistically significant between two study groups (P<0.05). When we compared the global health status scores between two groups, significant changes were observed (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: It appears that CLA may be helpful in rectal cancer patients by improving global quality of life. Although, other clinical trials with large sample size are needed to achieve more precise results.