The Effect of Bovine Colostrum on the Absolute Neutrophil Counts of Pediatric Patients with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Double Blind Randomized Placebo Controlled Study

Abstract

Edith Cyrill L Caysido

Background: Changes in the blood counts mainly leukopenia and neutropenia in patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) are common adverse events following chemotherapy. These commonly delays further administration of chemotherapeutic agents thereby potentially affecting therapeutic outcomes. Bovine colostrum has shown some promises in different fields of medicine and one claim is its use in prevention of neutropenia. However, there are no studies to support such claim

Objective: The general objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of bovine colostrum in preventing neutropenia among patients with ALL receiving chemotherapy.

Methodology: This is a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study involving the use of bovine colostrum for 1 week against placebo in preventing neutropenia among patientsundergoing chemotherapy. Participants were randomly assigned to receive the test products which were given orally 2x a day for 7 days starting simultaneously with the chemotherapy before the outcome measures were evaluated.

Results: A total of 21 subjects were enrolled, 10 of them received the placebo while 11 received the bovine colostrum. Results showed that there was significant increase in the Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) of patients given bovine colostrum as compared to the placebo group. There was also significant increase in the WBC and platelet counts among those who were given Bovine Colostrum. No incidence of infection or untoward effects on both treatment groups.

Conclusion: Bovine Colostrum is effective and safe in increasing the absolute neutrophil counts of ALL patients undergoing chemotherapy.

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