ReviewSupportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer2026
Folic acid deficiency in cancer therapy: a review of chemotherapy-induced malabsorption and supportive care strategies.
Review in Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
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Who cites it
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Authors and funding
2 authors.
Funding
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Abstract
purposeFolic acid (vitamin B9) plays a vital role in DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation, supporting both normal cellular functions and the proliferation of cancer cells. This review aims to explore the complex interplay between folic acid metabolism, antifolate chemotherapy (particularly methotrexate), and chemotherapy-induced malabsorption, with an emphasis on the need for nutritional interventions.
methodsA comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify studies addressing folic acid deficiency, chemotherapy-related malabsorption, methotrexate toxicity, and nutritional support strategies in cancer patients.
resultsEvidence indicates that methotrexate-induced inhibition of dihydrofolate reductase disrupts folate pathways, contributing to folic acid deficiency and malabsorption syndromes. This can lead to clinical complications such as anaemia, mucositis, immune suppression, and reduced treatment tolerance. Nutritional deficiencies further exacerbate drug toxicity and impair patient outcomes. While folic acid supplementation has shown benefit in reducing toxicity, its dosing must be carefully managed to avoid interference with chemotherapeutic efficacy.
conclusionFolic acid deficiency and malabsorption are significant concerns in cancer therapy involving antifolate drugs. Targeted nutritional strategies, including judicious folic acid supplementation, are essential to improving patient outcomes and minimizing treatment-associated complications. Future clinical approaches should integrate personalized nutritional support alongside chemotherapy regimens.
Indexed as
Identifiers
42319474What Socratic holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.