Home >  Oncology MDTV >  Oncology Shorts >  Can diet help with...

Can diet help with advanced breast cancer? Indications look positive, researchers say

By - Anshika Mishra
Published On 2024-05-24 04:00 GMT   |   Update On 2024-05-24 09:40 GMT
Advertisement
According to a study by researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center and Wilmot Cancer Institute, women with breast cancer who exclusively ate a whole-foods, plant-based diet lost weight, improved cholesterol levels and other key metabolic factors, had less fatigue, and perceived that they felt sharper mentally and generally more well.
The results were published in the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment.
While many anti-cancer treatments lead to weight loss, breast cancer treatment often results in weight gain. A 1997 review found that 50% to 96% of women undergoing chemotherapy for early-stage BC gained between five and 13.6 pounds. This weight gain is linked to elevated insulin, insulin resistance, blood glucose, cholesterol, sex hormones, and IGF-1, all of which can worsen BC progression, increase mortality risk, and reduce quality of life.
Advertisement
Dietary therapy can affect both obesity and its related cardiometabolic and hormonal risk factors. A plant-predominant dietary pattern, lower in processed foods, is commonly recommended by many organizations, including the American Institute for Cancer Research and the American Cancer Society.
In the study, 30 patients on stable treatment were randomly divided into two groups. One group received standard care, while the other followed an eight-week diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, potatoes, nuts, and seeds, avoiding animal-based foods, oils, and added fats. Participants also took a daily multivitamin.
Researchers observed that starting with an average BMI of 29.7, the whole-foods plant-based group lost one to two pounds per week without mandated exercise. They also noticed a reduction in blood samples of IGF-1, a growth factor that has been associated with many common cancers, as well as less inflammation.
“Although we cannot say anything yet about whether the diet can stop cancer progression from this small study, we saw preliminary results that suggest favourable changes within the body, which is very positive. Patients should first consult with their oncologists or healthcare providers before making major dietary changes and this is especially important for people who take blood thinners or insulin medications,” said research leader Thomas M. Campbell, an assistant professor of Family Medicine at URMC.
Reference: Campbell, T.M., Campbell, E.K., Culakova, E. et al. A whole-food, plant-based randomized controlled trial in metastatic breast cancer: weight, cardiometabolic, and hormonal outcomes. Breast Cancer Res Treat 205, 257–266 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-024-07266-1
Full View
Tags:    
Article Source : University of Rochester Medical Center and Wilmot Cancer Institute

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Anshika Mishra

Anshika Mishra is a dedicated scholar pursuing a Masters in Biotechnology, driven by a profound passion for exploring the intersection of science and healthcare. Having embarked on this academic journey with a passion to make meaningful contributions to the medical field, Anshika joined Medical Dialogues in 2023 to further delve into the realms of healthcare journalism.

Comments Policy
Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Similar News

New Web-Based Tool Aims to Cut Lung Cancer Deaths with Tailored Strategies, Reveals Research

Real-World Case study: Darbepoetin Alfa for Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia in Metastatic Rectal Cancer - Dr. Poulami Basu

How COVID-19 May Awaken Dormant Breast Cancer Cells? Study Provides Insights

Study Reveals Artificial Sweetener May Weaken Cancer Immunotherapy

Medical Bulletin 31/July/2025

Study Reveals Cannabis Use Disorder Linked to Three Times Higher Risk of Oral Cancer

3 Out of 5 Liver Cancer Cases Preventable, Says Lancet Commission; Calls for Urgent Focus on Hepatitis, Alcohol, and Obesity

This Sugar Substitute May Help Kill Cancer Cells: Study Suggests