Managing Chemotherapy-Induced Diarrhea: Efficacy of Interventions for Cancer Patients

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 71% of all deaths worldwide, with cancer being one of the leading causes of mortality in India (9%), where NCDs account for 63% of all fatalities. The incidence of cancer continues to rise, with breast, lung, colon and rectum, prostate, non-melanoma skin cancer, and stomach cancer being the most commonly diagnosed in 2020. Similarly, lung, colon and rectum, liver, stomach, and breast cancer are the most common causes of cancer-related deaths. Chemotherapy is widely used to treat cancer due to the rapid growth and reproduction rate of cancer cells. However, diarrhea is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy. The management of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea involves a variety of pharmacological interventions, including loperamide and octreotide, as well as the use of probiotics and herbal products. This review provides a comprehensive overview of these treatments and their efficacy, as well as strategies for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea