Serum Tryptophan and Quality of Life in Colorectal Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Huang A, Fuchs D, Widner B, Glover C, Henderson D C, Allen-Mersh T G
Primary Institution: Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine
Hypothesis
Cancer-related indoleamine (2,3)-dioxygenase up-regulation by interferon-γ might influence quality of life by depleting serum tryptophan.
Conclusion
Reduced serum tryptophan is significantly associated with impaired quality of life in colorectal cancer patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Reduced serum tryptophan was significantly associated with Rotterdam Symptom Checklist physical symptom scores.
- Serum tryptophan was an independent predictor of quality of life scores.
- Increased immune activation correlated with lower serum tryptophan levels.
Takeaway
This study found that lower levels of a substance called tryptophan in the blood can make people with colorectal cancer feel worse.
Methodology
Blood samples were taken from colorectal cancer patients, and levels of serum tryptophan and immune products were measured and correlated with quality of life scores.
Potential Biases
Potential biases due to the small sample size and exclusion of certain patient groups.
Limitations
The study had a limited number of patients and did not establish cause and effect.
Participant Demographics
66 colorectal cancer patients (39 males; median age 66 years) and 37 'no-cancer' controls (13 males; median age 69 years).
Statistical Information
P-Value
P=0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI=−0.75 to −0.14
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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