The Administration of Ocoxin Increases the Quality of Life of Patients with Advanced Epithelial or Metastatic Ovarian Cancer Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Abstract

Background: 70% of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage (III or IV) of the disease and, in turn, with a high prevalence of peritoneal carcinosis and ascites, which leads to progressive malnutrition in patients, with the consequent deterioration of their general condition. There is a very important relationship between nutritional status, quality of life, survival, and the ability to tolerate multidisciplinary treatment of peritoneal carcinosis. Methods: A phase II, open-label, single-center, non-randomised clinical trial was conducted that included 36 patients with advanced disease who were administered the nutritional supplement Ocoxin, 30 ml twice a day, beginning one week before chemotherapy (CT) based on carboplatin/paclitaxel, of which they receive three cycles with neoadjuvant intent. Ocoxin treatment was continued during chemotherapy and for three weeks after completion of the last cycle, as well as during any periods for which this treatment was discontinued due to toxicity. The effect of Ocoxin on the quality of life was assessed through the QLQ C30 and QLQ OV28 questionnaires from the start of treatment until the end of the follow-up period. In addition, the Karnofsky Index and nutritional parameters were assessed. Results: There were no significant differences between adverse events versus baseline values, except in leukoc ytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, ALT, and AST. There was no deterioration of the QoL scales, except for those related to the effects of chemotherapy and alopecia. Conclusions: Ocoxin as an adjuvant to chemotherapy appears to improve better tolerance to chemotherapy, showed a good safety profile, and im proved quality of life. For further information on Ocoxin neoadjuvant therapy benefits, a phase III clinical trial will be needed.