Dietary influences on symptomatic and non-symptomatic toxicities during cancer treatment: A narrative review.

The general nutritional status of cancer patients could be a central determinant of cancer treatment-related toxicity and an indicator of cancer symptoms such as cancer-related cachexia and weight loss. This narrative scientific review covers the impact of dietary patterns (for example, Mediterranean diet, short-term fasting, ketogenic diet), dietary components (for example, fruits and vegetables, fish oils, turmeric/curcumin, dietary fiber, phytochemicals, vitamin/mineral dietary supplements), and the gut microbiota on symptoms, toxicities, and adverse events associated with cancer treatment. Although several studies have produced controversial or inconclusive results, some promising preclinical studies and initial clinical trials suggest that dietary interventions may alleviate certain cancer treatment-related symptoms and toxicities. Possible mechanisms by which dietary components may influence symptomatic and non-symptomatic toxicities during cancer treatment include through impacting inflammation, oxidative stress, muscle mass, cardiac health and regulating the gut microbiome. Current ongoing studies will continue to shed light on whether specific dietary interventions, with a special emphasis on the gut microbiota, are an effective method to improve cancer treatment outcomes. Future studies should examine the synergistic effects of combining different nutritional interventions and establish diet-related guidelines for cancer treatment.

Diet-related interventions for cancer-associated cachexia.

PURPOSE: Cancer-associated cachexia is a common condition in patients with advanced cancer, and is associated with extreme and involuntary weight loss and irreversible muscle wasting. Despite its high morbidity and mortality, there is no known treatment to reverse its effects. Thus, there is increasing interest in whether diet and exercise can assist in the minimization of cancer-associated cachexia. METHODS: We reviewed the literature on the impact of dietary patterns, dietary components, and exercise on the progress and severity of cancer cachexia. RESULTS: Although most studies have produced inconclusive or controversial findings, some promising studies using animal models and early human clinical trials suggest that dietary and physical therapy interventions may alleviate cancer-associated cachexia. Moreover, many studies suggest that controlling diet and exercise nevertheless improved the quality of life (QoL) for cancer patients with cachexia. CONCLUSION: Ongoing studies will continue to examine whether different forms of multimodal therapy-combinations of cancer treatment, dietary regimens, anti-inflammatory therapy, and physical therapy-are effective methods to improve outcomes in advanced cancer patients with cachexia. Moreover, future studies should examine the effects of such interventions on long-term QoL and establish nutritional guidelines for the management of cancer-associated cachexia.