Impact of Rice Bran Arabinoxylan Compound on Cancer Patients' Quality of Life

The RBAC-QoL study investigated the effects of rice bran arabinoxylan compound (RBAC) on the quality of life (QoL) of cancer patients undergoing systemic therapies. Conducted in New South Wales, Australia, this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind feasibility study included 29 adult patients with solid organ tumors at stage II or higher. Participants were assigned to receive either 3 g/day of RBAC or a matched placebo for 24 weeks, with group allocation determined through stratified randomization. The primary outcome measure focused on patient-reported functional, symptom, and global QoL scores, while secondary measures included nutritional indices and cytokine changes.

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Data were collected across five study visits, spaced six weeks apart. The results indicated a significant improvement in global QoL scores for the RBAC group compared to the placebo group, with a large effect size (p = 0.031). Notably, significant differences favoring the RBAC group were observed at week 6 (p = 0.017) and week 24 (p = 0.041). Additionally, the RBAC group reported better role functioning (p < 0.001) and social functioning (p = 0.037), while cognitive functioning showed a trending improvement (p = 0.055). In terms of cancer symptoms, the placebo group experienced significantly worse scores in fatigue, pain, dyspnoea, and appetite loss compared to the RBAC group.

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Furthermore, the RBAC group exhibited significant elevations in cytokines such as interferon-?, interleukin 1RA, and 12p40, alongside total protein levels, which correlated positively with global QoL scores. These findings suggest a potential link between immune activity, nutritional status, and QoL enhancements.

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The study concluded that RBAC improves QoL beyond placebo during systemic cancer treatment, potentially through the immuno-nutritional pathway. The trial was prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR Reg No: ACTRN12619000562178p, 10/04/2019).

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While the study presents promising results, it is essential to consider the small sample size of 29 participants, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Critics may argue that larger, more diverse studies are necessary to confirm the efficacy of RBAC in improving QoL for cancer patients.

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“RBAC improves QoL beyond placebo during systemic cancer treatment, potentially through the immuno-nutritional pathway.” — Study Conclusion

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Future research may focus on larger-scale trials to further explore the impact of RBAC on QoL in diverse cancer patient populations, as well as the underlying mechanisms of its effects on immune and nutritional status.

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