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.

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.