ABSTRACT
Chemotherapy-induced nausea [CIN] in the anticipatory and acute phase is the most common side effect in cancer therapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of ginger capsules on the alleviation of this problem. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed on 80 women with breast cancer between August till December 2009 in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran, Iran. These patients underwent one-day chemotherapy regime and suffering from chemotherapy-induced nausea. After obtaining written consent, samples were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups. Two groups were matched based on the age and emetic effects of chemotherapy drugs used. The intervention group received ginger capsules [250 mg, orally] four times a day [1 gr/d] and the same samples from the placebo group received starch capsules [250 mg, orally] for three days before to three days after chemotherapy. To measure the effect of capsules a three-part questionnaire was used, so the samples filled every night out these tools. After collecting the information, the gathered data were analyzed by statistical tests like Fisher's exact, Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square using version 8 of STATA software. The mean +/- SD of age in the intervention and placebo groups were 41.8 +/- 8.4 and 45.1 +/- 10 years, respectively. Results indicated that the severity and number of nausea in the anticipatory phase were significantly lower in the ginger group compared with placebo group [P=0.0008, P=0.0007, respectively]. Also, the intensity [P=0.0001] and number [P=0.0001] of nausea in the acute phase were significantly lower in the ginger group. On the other hand, taking ginger capsules compared with placebo did not result in any major complications. Consuming ginger root powder capsules [1 gr/d] from three days before chemotherapy till three days after it in combination with the standard anti-emetic regimen can help to reduce the anticipatory and acute nausea.
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Nausea , Vomiting , Double-Blind Method , Antineoplastic Agents , Vomiting, AnticipatoryABSTRACT
Acute vomiting is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy during the first 24h in patients with cancer. This study investigated the palliative effect of ginger extract on the rate of this complication. This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial that was conducted from August to December 2009 in Imam Khomeini Hospital on 80 women with breast cancer undergoing 1-day chemotherapy periods and suffering from vomiting. After obtaining written consent, the samples were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups. Two groups were matched with each other based on the age and emetic risk of chemotherapy drugs used. Participants of the ginger group received ginger capsules[250mg, orally], four times a day [1gr/d] and the samples from the control group received placebo capsules containing starch from three days before to three days after chemotherapy. During this period, to measure the effect of capsules, a two-part questionnaire was used. So, the patients filled these tools out every night. Then, gathered data were analyzed using statistical tests like Fisher's exact, Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square by the STATA software version 8. The two groups were matched with each other according to the emetic risk of chemotherapy drugs and disease duration [p=0.1, p=0.06, respectively]. Results indicated that the cases of vomiting in the acute phase were significantly lower in the ginger group compared with placebo group [p=0.04]. Also taking ginger capsules compared with placebo did not wake certain complications [p=0.06]. Taking ginger powder capsules [1gr/d] starting three days before chemotherapy for six days and beyond the routine anti-emetic regimen could reduce the acute phase vomiting
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Vomiting/therapy , Antineoplastic Agents , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Antiemetics , Treatment Outcome , Breast NeoplasmsABSTRACT
Vomiting is one of the most prevalent side effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ginger plant on chemotherapy-induced vomiting, since the previous studies were somehow imperfect and have provided controversial results. This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 80 women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy and suffering from vomiting in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran, Iran, between July and December 2009. During a convenience sampling the participants were randomly allocated into treatment and placebo groups after taking a written informed consent. Two groups were matched based on the age and emetic risk of chemotherapy drugs. The treatment group received 250 mg ginger powder capsules [Zintoma] and placebo group 250 mg starch capsules 4 times a day [1 g/day] for 6 days since 3 days before chemotherapy session. A two-part self-made questionnaire was used to assess the effect of ginger. Patients completed the instrument every day. Then by STATA software version 8, the gathered data were analyzed using Fisher's exact, Kruskal-Wallis, and Chi-square tests. The 2 groups had no significant age differences and were matched [ginger: 41.8 +/- 8.4 vs placebo: 45.1 +/- 10, P = 0.1]. Vomiting cases were significantly lower in ginger group at anticipatory [P = 0.04], acute [P = 0.04], and delayed [P = 0.003] phases. Also, heartburn was the only and venial reported side effect [P > 0.05]. Taking ginger capsules [for 6 days since 3 days before chemotherapy] accompanied by the routine antiemetic treatment could relieve chemotherapy-induced vomiting in all phases.