Diet as a Factor Supporting Lung Cancer Treatment—A Systematic Review

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to summarize the evidence from epidemiological studies concerning associations between diet and the effectiveness of treatment for lung cancer. For this review, a literature search has been conducted in the EMBASE and PubMed databases, including papers published between 1977 and June 2022. The term “lung cancer” was used in conjunction with “diet”. Footnotes from the selected papers were also analyzed. The present study is in line with the recommendations included in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The review included studies involving adults, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort and observational studies. In total, 863 papers were found, with duplicates excluded. Ultimately, 20 papers were reviewed. The present systematic review indicates that vitamin A, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), vitamin E, selenium, and zinc—as antioxidants—can strengthen the body’s antioxidant barrier. Furthermore, preoperative immunonutrition may not only improve perioperative nutritional status following induction chemoradiotherapy in lung cancer surgery patients but also reduce the severity of postoperative complications. Similarly, a protein supply may exert a beneficial effect on human health by increasing average body weight and muscle mass. Omega-3 fatty acid content in the diet and the consumption of their main source, fish, may have some regulatory effect on inflammation in patients with lung cancer treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In addition, n-3 fatty acids inhibit tumor cell proliferation and may reduce the toxicity of chemotherapy. Increased energy and protein intake are strongly associated with improved quality of life, functional outcomes, hand grip strength, symptoms, and performance in patients with lung cancer. The use of a supportive diet should be the standard of care, alongside pharmaceutical therapy, in treatment for patients with lung cancer.

Vitamin A Status Modulates Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in the Lung: The Role of Furin

“…Our results are another clear and relevant example that may demonstrate, at least in part, the adverse effects and conflicting results in lung studies in patients with vitamin A supplementation. In this context, several references have shown that vitamin A intake enhances TNF-α and is also associated with oxidative stress and increased proinflammatory cytokines in lung tissue; thus, a retinoid overdose may have a negative impact on maintaining tissue integrity [ 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 ]. In addition, there are conflicting results that correlate vitamin A with increased carcinogenic risk [ 55 , 56 , 57 ].…”

Anthocyanins prevent the development and progression of urethane-induced lung cancer by regulating energy metabolism in mice

“…Lung cancer is a disease with high morbidity and mortality worldwide (second only to breast cancer in incidence), with a 5-year survival rate of only 24%; ( 1 , 2 ). Although various methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are used to treat NSCLC and SCLC, the main treatment for lung cancer patients is chemotherapy ( 3 , 4 ). Chemoprevention refers to the use of drugs or natural substances to delay or reverse the carcinogenic process and is one of several promising strategies to reduce cancer development ( 5 ).…”

Nutritional Strategy for Cancer—From Prevention to Aftercare

“…Lung cancer is the most common malignancy in the world, and has a high lethality; therefore, it generates a great burden for healthcare systems in the world [1]. Pola ński et al reviewed the role of a diet as a supportive factor in lung cancer treatment and reported some interesting findings [2]. The authors point out that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly ω-3 PUFA, which includes eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), may lessen inflammation, reduce muscle loss, and alter important pathways that drive the development of lung cancer [3,4].…”

“…According to the review authors, the goal of any planned intervention should be to prevent malnutrition. Future research is challenged by the paucity of data on effective diet-related preventive strategies for lung cancer, which hinders the ability to draw valid conclusions [2].…”