Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy for steatorrhoea in pancreatic cancer

Abstract

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows: To evaluate the efficacy of PERT for the treatment of steatorrhoea in people with pancreatic cancer by accessing whether it: reduces the severity and duration of common symptoms, including fatty (greasy or oily appearance and residue), foul-smelling, pale-coloured, and heavy stools (bulky and difficult-to-flush), which are usually associated with weight loss and nutritional deficiencies as a result of fat malabsorption and the concomitant malabsorption of amino acids and vitamins, and abdominal pain or cramps (Cheifetz 2011; Kasper 2015); is an acceptable treatment, as assessed by the number of side effects/adverse events, study dropout rates, and participant satisfaction levels; has an impact on chemotherapy adherence; has an impact on postoperative outcomes.