Probiotics alleviate paraneoplastic thrombocythemia of ovarian cancer: A randomized placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

Paraneoplastic thrombocytosis is common in ovarian cancer and often correlates with disease recurrence. This study aimed to assess the impact of probiotics on platelet counts in ovarian cancer patients. Enrolled patients with paraneoplastic thrombocytosis received oral Bifidobacterium longum JBLC-141 for platelet level modulation. Over a 12-month period, patients were closely monitored for recurrence rates. The study revealed significant differences between the oral probiotic and placebo groups in various parameters, including platelet counts, coagulation functions, inflammatory factors, tumor markers, and gut microbiota composition. However, no significant distinctions were observed during postoperative stabilization. Oral probiotics effectively mitigated platelet count surges and improved coagulation functions in ovarian cancer patients with paraneoplastic thrombocytosis. Positive effects on inflammation, tumor marker levels, and gut microbiota composition were also noted. Further clinical validation is needed to confirm probiotics’ potential in extending the postoperative stabilization period.