Effect of grape-based syrup on cancer-related fatigue in patients with breast cancer: a double-blind randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common side effect of cancer that significantly affects patients’ quality of life. This study aimed to assess the impact of DEBS syrup, a herbal formulation derived from grape juice, on CRF.‏

Methods

In a double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial, 70 women with breast cancer and CRF were assigned to either the DEBS or placebo groups. Participants received 10 cc of DEBS syrup or placebo three times daily for four weeks. CRF was measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS), fatigue severity scale (FSS), and cancer fatigue scale (CFS) before and after the intervention.

Results

Results showed that DEBS group had significantly higher reductions in FSS, CFS, and VAS scores compared to the placebo group (p = 0.001). Subscale analysis demonstrated significant reductions in somatic, cognitive, and affective domains in the DEBS group. However, only the FSS scores decreased significantly in the placebo group.

Conclusions

In conclusion, DEBS syrup was more effective than placebo in improving CRF among breast cancer patients. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials identifier: IRCT20190708044149N1.

KEYWORDS:

• Cancer-related fatigue
• breast cancer
• Persian medicine
• grape

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s). The authors alone are responsible for the accuracy and integrity of the paper content.

Data availability statement

By contacting the corresponding author and expressing their request, individuals will have the opportunity to obtain the data and utilize it for further analysis or research purposes.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ghazaleh Heydarirad

Dr. Ghazaleh Heydarirad is an assistant professor at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran working on palliative oncology field for years.