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Diet, Nutrition, Supplements and Integrative Oncology in Cancer Care

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Clinical Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 March 2025 | Viewed by 16215

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Oncology, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa 3109601, Israel
Interests: cancer care; nutrition; complementary and integrative medicine

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is estimated that up to 88% of people living with cancer use some form of   complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) and its use is becoming an increasingly popular and a visible component of oncology care. Integrative oncology has emerged as a scientific field that aims to integrate CIM in cancer care through collaborative practice and rigorous research. It is a patient-centered, evidence-informed field of cancer care that utilizes mind and body practices, natural products, and/or lifestyle modifications from different traditions alongside conventional cancer treatments.

Integrative oncology aims to optimize health, quality of life, and clinical outcomes across the cancer care continuum and to empower people to prevent cancer and become active participants in their health care before, during, and beyond cancer treatment.

The major constituents of integrative oncology relate to nutrition, diet and nutritional supplements. There is an increased interest among patients about obtaining evidence-based advice about nutrition and supplements, which relate specifically to their clinical situation. Nutrition and supplements may improve their quality of life and possibly reduce the risk of recurrence. In this Special Issue, we will be looking for research articles, review articles or thought-provoking commentaries that can further advance the field of integrative oncology that specifically relates to nutrition.  

Prof. Dr. Moshe Frenkel
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • cancer care
  • integrative oncology
  • nutrition
  • diet
  • nutrition supplements

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 1023 KiB  
Article
Modified Citrus Pectin Treatment in Non-Metastatic Biochemically Relapsed Prostate Cancer: Long-Term Results of a Prospective Phase II Study
by Daniel Keizman, Moshe Frenkel, Avivit Peer, Eli Rosenbaum, David Sarid, Ilan Leibovitch, Roy Mano, Ofer Yossepowitch, Ido Wolf, Ravit Geva, David Margel, Keren Rouvinov, Anat Stern, Hadas Dresler, Igal Kushnir and Isaac Eliaz
Nutrients 2023, 15(16), 3533; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15163533 - 11 Aug 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5029
Abstract
The optimal therapy for patients with non-metastatic biochemically relapsed prostate cancer (BRPC-M0) after local therapy is elusive. Thus, the evaluation of new non-toxic compounds in BRPC-M0 patients is warranted. PectaSol®-Modified citrus pectin (P-MCP) is a food supplement categorized as GRAS (Generally [...] Read more.
The optimal therapy for patients with non-metastatic biochemically relapsed prostate cancer (BRPC-M0) after local therapy is elusive. Thus, the evaluation of new non-toxic compounds in BRPC-M0 patients is warranted. PectaSol®-Modified citrus pectin (P-MCP) is a food supplement categorized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA. It is a competitive inhibitor of the galectin-3 protein, which is involved in cancer pathogenesis. In an early report of the present phase 2 study, P-MCP treatment for 6 months led to prostate-specific antigen doubling time (PSADT) improvement in 75% of patients with BRPC-M0. Herein, we report the second long-term treatment phase of an additional 12 months of P-MCP therapy (4.8 g × 3/day orally) in patients without disease progression after the initial 6 months of therapy. Of the 46 patients that entered the second treatment phase, 7 patients withdrew consent and decided to continue therapy out of pocket, and 39 initiated the second treatment phase. After a total of 18 months of P-MCP treatment, 85% (n = 33) had a durable long-term response, with 62% (n = 24) showing decreased/stable PSA, 90% (n = 35) PSADT improvement, and all with negative scans. No patient had grade 3/4 toxicity. In conclusion, P-MCP may have long-term durable efficacy and is safe in BRPC-M0. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet, Nutrition, Supplements and Integrative Oncology in Cancer Care)
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Review

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17 pages, 1003 KiB  
Review
Conceptualizing an Integrative Multiple Myeloma Care: The Role of Nutrition, Supplements, and Complementary Modalities
by Francesca Andreazzoli, Ilana Levy Yurkovski, Eran Ben-Arye and Massimo Bonucci
Nutrients 2024, 16(2), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16020237 - 11 Jan 2024
Viewed by 4268
Abstract
Multiple Myeloma (MM) is the second most prevalent hematologic malignancy, and its incidence has been increasing enormously in recent years. The prognosis of MM has changed radically with the introduction of new drugs that have improved life expectancy; recurrences are a common occurrence [...] Read more.
Multiple Myeloma (MM) is the second most prevalent hematologic malignancy, and its incidence has been increasing enormously in recent years. The prognosis of MM has changed radically with the introduction of new drugs that have improved life expectancy; recurrences are a common occurrence during the course of the disease and are characterized by an increase in refractory to treatment. Moreover, MM patients are challenged by quality of life-related concerns while limited conventional therapy may be offered. This includes bone pain and dialysis due to the complications of acute renal failure. We, therefore, believe that it is very important to add new treatment modalities, including supplements, nutritional modifications, acupuncture, and mind–body therapies, with the goal of improving treatment tolerance, effectiveness, and patients’ quality of life. Moreover, many patients use some of these supplements on their own, in the hope of reducing the side effects, so it is even more important to know their action and potential. The purpose of this review is to illustrate all these strategies potentially available to enrich our approach to this, to date, incurable disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet, Nutrition, Supplements and Integrative Oncology in Cancer Care)
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23 pages, 1569 KiB  
Review
Nutritional Management of Oncological Symptoms: A Comprehensive Review
by Mattia Garutti, Claudia Noto, Brenno Pastò, Linda Cucciniello, Massimiliano Alajmo, Amanda Casirati, Paolo Pedrazzoli, Riccardo Caccialanza and Fabio Puglisi
Nutrients 2023, 15(24), 5068; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15245068 - 11 Dec 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3501
Abstract
Throughout their experience of illness and during the course of treatment, a substantial proportion of cancer patients are prone to develop nutritional and/or metabolic disturbances. Additionally, cancer patients often encounter long-term side effects from therapies, which may lead to impaired digestion, nutrient absorption [...] Read more.
Throughout their experience of illness and during the course of treatment, a substantial proportion of cancer patients are prone to develop nutritional and/or metabolic disturbances. Additionally, cancer patients often encounter long-term side effects from therapies, which may lead to impaired digestion, nutrient absorption or bowel motility. Therefore, the preservation and maintenance of an optimal and balanced nutritional status are pivotal to achieving a better prognosis, increasing the tolerance and adherence to cancer therapies and improving the overall quality of life. In this context, personalized nutritional programs are essential for addressing conditions predisposing to weight loss, feeding difficulties, digestion problems and intestinal irregularity, with the goal of promoting adequate nutrient absorption and minimizing the detrimental effects of treatment regimens. The focus of this research is to examine the most common clinical conditions and metabolic changes that cancer patients may experience, including stomatitis, xerostomia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, sub-occlusion, dysgeusia, dysosmia, anorexia, and cachexia. Furthermore, we present a pragmatic example of a multidisciplinary workflow that incorporates customized recipes tailored to individual clinical scenarios, all while maintaining the hedonic value of the meals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet, Nutrition, Supplements and Integrative Oncology in Cancer Care)
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10 pages, 374 KiB  
Review
Addressing Patient Requests to Add Dietary Supplements to Their Cancer Care—A Suggested Approach
by Moshe Frenkel, Meroe B. Morse and Santhosshi Narayanan
Nutrients 2023, 15(24), 5029; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15245029 - 7 Dec 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2157
Abstract
Dietary supplements are widely utilized by cancer patients as part of a complementary and integrative approach to their healthcare. However, a significant portion of patients refrain from discussing their supplement use with their physicians, often due to the perceived indifference or negativity of [...] Read more.
Dietary supplements are widely utilized by cancer patients as part of a complementary and integrative approach to their healthcare. However, a significant portion of patients refrain from discussing their supplement use with their physicians, often due to the perceived indifference or negativity of their healthcare providers. This communication gap exposes patients to unreliable information sources and potential risks associated with uninformed supplementation. As the healthcare landscape evolves, there is an increasing recognition of the pivotal role that physicians play in guiding patients’ healthcare decisions. A patient-centered perspective prioritizes the provision of evidence-based information tailored to the individual’s needs. It advocates for open discussions about potential risks and fosters shared decision making, respecting patient autonomy. Additionally, this approach involves offering alternative options, documenting patient preferences, and ensuring ongoing support while coordinating with the healthcare team. To address these evolving needs, healthcare providers must adopt a transformative perspective, becoming expert guides who engage with their patients as informed and empowered participants. This revised approach emphasizes an open dialogue that balances presenting facts and acknowledging uncertainties surrounding dietary supplement use. Our narrative review of the literature underscores the importance of a practical approach, centered on transparent discussions and respect for patient autonomy. By following this approach, healthcare providers can empower patients to navigate the complexities of dietary supplement use within the context of cancer care, thereby safeguarding patient safety and overall well-being. Notably, our proposed tool highlights the utilization of reliable sources, the risk stratification of supplements, specific recommendations, and subsequent monitoring, providing a structured framework for informed decision making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet, Nutrition, Supplements and Integrative Oncology in Cancer Care)
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Other

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18 pages, 1364 KiB  
Systematic Review
Omega-3 Supplementation and Nutritional Status in Patients with Pancreatic Neoplasms: A Systematic Review
by Luciana Bicalho Cevolani Pires, Luciane Bresciani Salaroli, Olívia Perim Galvão de Podesta, Fabiano Kenji Haraguchi and Luís Carlos Lopes-Júnior
Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4036; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234036 - 26 Nov 2024
Viewed by 355
Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to synthesize and evaluate the evidence regarding the effects of omega-3 supplementation on the nutritional status of pancreatic cancer patients. Methods: A systematic review of clinical trials was conducted, adhering to the PRISMA Statement. MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, [...] Read more.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to synthesize and evaluate the evidence regarding the effects of omega-3 supplementation on the nutritional status of pancreatic cancer patients. Methods: A systematic review of clinical trials was conducted, adhering to the PRISMA Statement. MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched up to 31 December 2022 without restrictions on the publication date or language. Independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. The internal validity and risk of bias in randomized controlled trials (RCT) were assessed using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials-RoB2, while the risk of bias in non-randomized intervention studies was evaluated using the ROBINS-I tool. Results: Eight studies met all the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Five of them were RCT, with the majority (n = 4) classified as low risk of bias, and the three quasi-experiments were deemed to have a moderate risk of bias. Among the studies investigating the outcome of weight gain/maintenance, six reported statistically significant positive results (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, the presented evidence indicates that omega-3 supplementation in pancreatic cancer patients is safe, well-tolerated, and beneficial, as it contributes to the stabilization or increase in body weight, as well as a reduction in inflammatory biomarkers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet, Nutrition, Supplements and Integrative Oncology in Cancer Care)
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