A major research project could help thousands of men avoid the debilitating side effects of prostate cancer radiotherapy, while also making the treatment more effective. Experts believe that fibre supplements might spare patients from issues such as diarrhoea, bowel bleeding, and bladder problems.
Each year, around 18,000 men in the UK undergo life-saving radiotherapy for prostate cancer, but many suffer from lasting side effects. Prostate Cancer UK is funding a £660,000 trial to investigate whether a common supplement can prevent these complications.
The supplement, inulin, is a plant-derived fibre that promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and helps reduce inflammation. Laboratory research in animals has also indicated that inulin may enhance radiotherapy's ability to kill cancer cells.
Patient Story: Roger Slater
One patient who could benefit from such a supplement is Roger Slater, 75. The retired schoolteacher from Vicars Cross, Chester, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in March 2020 after a routine health check included a PSA blood test. He underwent 32 sessions of radiotherapy alongside hormone injections.
Roger said: "When I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, it was a shock. I feel lucky that I'm now cancer-free, but the side effects from radiotherapy have been hard for me, and I still struggle with them now, even though my treatment finished six years ago."
The father-of-two experiences erectile dysfunction and radiotherapy proctitis, which is damage or inflammation caused by the treatment. He added: "Having a supplement to reduce the side effects from treatment would have made a huge difference for me. I hope the results of this study are positive so other men don't have to face the same difficulties I have."
The DIETRICH Trial
The DIETRICH trial will recruit around 220 men awaiting prostate cancer treatment from eight UK cancer centres. Half of the volunteers will have their diets enriched with inulin before, during, and after radiotherapy, while the rest receive a placebo.
Professor Ananya Choudhury, from the University of Manchester and one of the trial's lead researchers, said: "Radiotherapy is an effective treatment for prostate cancer, but can cause men significant problems. We've already seen exciting early evidence that inulin can reduce side effects in men undergoing radiotherapy for prostate cancer, so this research has the potential to make a huge difference in the lives of prostate cancer patients."
Impact on Patients
More than 64,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in the UK, and the disease claims 12,000 lives annually. Dr Matthew Hobbs, director of research at Prostate Cancer UK, emphasised the importance of supporting patients throughout their journey.
He said: "Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, so it's essential that we are supporting men at every step of their journey, from diagnosis to their lives post-treatment. We know that prostate cancer treatment can leave men with debilitating side effects that can last long after treatment. We cannot only focus on treating the cancer, but must also make sure that men have good and comfortable lives after their treatment. DIETRICH is an extremely promising study, which could enable men to live longer and better lives without additional treatment and hugely reduce side effects from radiotherapy."
