Calcium phosphate: an alternative calcium compound for dietary prevention of colon cancer? A study on intestinal and faecal parameters in healthy volunteers.

In an effort to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer development, oral calcium carbonate supplementation has been used in previous studies for the precipitation of cytotoxic bile acids and fatty acids. In human intervention trials its effect on mucosal hyperproliferation in the colorectum has not always been satisfactory. Because the complexation of calcium and bile acids requires the formation of calcium phosphate, we performed an intervention study in 14 healthy volunteers, giving them 1,500 mg calcium as Ca3(PO4)2 for 1 week.

Epithelial cell proliferation in the sigmoid colon of patients with adenomatous polyps increases during oral calcium supplementation.

To study the effect of oral supplemental calcium on colonic epithelial proliferation, 17 adenomatous polyp patients received 1.5 g Ca2+ as calcium carbonate daily during 12 weeks, while on a calcium constant diet, based on the patients' habitual diet. Seven subsequently continued calcium supplementation for 9 months without dietary restrictions.

Tube feeding of cancer patients treated with chemotherapy.

As many chemotherapeutic agents affect the alimentary tract the use of hyperalimentation with tube feeding during and after chemotherapy has been limited. However, patients do tolerate tube feeding well despite chemotherapy. The feeding has to be administered as continuous drip infusion and in case of bone marrow depression sterile feeding is necessary.

Effect of chemotherapy on taste sensation in patients with disseminated malignant melanoma.

The effect of combination chemotherapy (bleomycin, actinomycin D, vindesine and DTIC) on taste sensation in patients with malignant melanoma was evaluated. Five concentrations of 4 basic tastes (sweet, bitter, sour and salt) were tested. Lowest concentrations of all tastes were subjectively rated more intense after chemotherapy than before.