Efficacy of ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Patients with Lung Cancer Undergoing Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy: A Meta-Analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#china #fatty-acids-omega-3 #humans #inflammation #lung-neoplasms

Efficacy of ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Patients with Lung Cancer Undergoing Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy: A Meta-Analysis

Tao et al., 2022 | Int J Clin Pract | Meta Analysis

Citation

Tao Xin, Zhou Qiang, Rao Zhiyong. Efficacy of ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Patients with Lung Cancer Undergoing Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy: A Meta-Analysis. Int J Clin Pract. 2022;2022:6564466. doi:10.1155/2022/6564466

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy and chemotherapy in patients with lung cancer can lead to a series of problems such as malnutrition and inflammatory reaction. Some studies have shown that ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) could improve malnutrition and regulate inflammatory reaction in these patients, but no relevant meta-analysis exists. METHODS: We systematically searched randomized controlled trials of ω-3 PUFAs in the adjuvant treatment of lung cancer in the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang databases. Relevant outcomes were extracted, and we pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) using a random or fixed-effects model. The risk of bias was evaluated according to the Cochrane Handbook (version 15.1). The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). RESULTS: A total of 7 studies were included. The SMDs (95% CI) of body weight change, albumin change, energy intake, and protein intake at the end of intervention were 1.15 (0.50, 1.80), 0.60 (0.11, 1.09), 0.39 (-0.10, 0.89), and 0.27 (-0.04, 0.58), respectively. The SMDs (95% CI) of CRP change and TNF-α change were -3.44 (-6.15, -0.73) and -1.63 (-2.53, -0.73), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: ω-3 PUFAs can improve nutritional status and regulate indicators of inflammation in patients with lung cancer undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This study was registered in the PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42022307699).

Key Findings

A total of 7 studies were included. The SMDs (95% CI) of body weight change, albumin change, energy intake, and protein intake at the end of intervention were 1.15 (0.50, 1.80), 0.60 (0.11, 1.09), 0.39 (-0.10, 0.89), and 0.27 (-0.04, 0.58), respectively. The SMDs (95% CI) of CRP change and TNF-α change were -3.44 (-6.15, -0.73) and -1.63 (-2.53, -0.73), respectively.

Outcomes Measured

  • C-reactive protein
  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population lung cancer can lead
Sample Size 7
Age Range See abstract
Condition inflammation

MeSH Terms

  • China
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Lung Neoplasms
  • Malnutrition

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: omega-3

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09