The effect of beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB)/glutamine/arginine support on quality of life and toxicity in patients undergoing pelvic radiotherapy

Abstract

Aim: In this clinical study, Beta-hydroxy beta-methyl butyrate (HMB)\Arginine\Glutamine enriched mixture was administered during pelvic radiotherapy; The effects on the patients' quality of life, treatment-related side effects, and nutritional status were investigated.

Materials and Methods:  Forty-nine patients who underwent pelvic radiotherapy were divided into 2 groups according to age, gender, operation status, tumor type, and concomitant chemotherapy status. While HMB\Arginine\Glutamine was administered to 25 patients, no nutritional support was given to 24 patients. Two groups of patients were followed up weekly and compared in terms of quality of life, toxicity, nutritional status, anthropometric measurements, biochemical parameters and moods.

Results: A statistically significant improvement was found in the anxiety and depression scales in the group that used this mixture. Although there was an improvement in weight change, treatment side effects, fatigue, risk of malnutrition, skeletal muscle mass, prealbumin and albumin, this difference was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of quality of life.

Conclusion: HMB\Arginine\Glutamine mixture may improve toxicity, fatigue, anxiety and depression, skeletal muscle mass, prealbumin and albumin levels when used during pelvic radiotherapy.