Evaluating the role of dietary interventions in reducing chemotherapy toxicities in cancer patients: A systematic review.

Abstract

e13869 Background: Despite advancements in cancer treatment, chemotherapy remains an indispensable treatment modality. Chemotherapy drugs inadvertently harm normal cells due to their toxic composition, leading to unpleasant toxicities. Chemotherapy toxicities are often described as being more detrimental to patients’ quality of life (QOL) than the malignancy itself. Unfortunately, patients receiving chemotherapy continue to struggle with toxicities despite pharmacological intervention, making it clear that medication alone is not adequate to manage toxicities. Dietary interventions represent a novel pathway for alleviating chemotherapy toxicities, thereby improving patients' QOL. This systematic review synthesizes current literature examining the relationship between various dietary patterns, chemotherapy toxicities, and QOL among patients currently receiving chemotherapy treatment. It aims to determine the most advantageous dietary pattern for patients with various malignancies. Methods: PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase were thoroughly searched to select quantitative studies that answered the research question and met the inclusion criteria as of July 2024. Results: Fourteen studies were analyzed: 10 randomized control trials (RCTs), 2 quasi-experimental, 1 case series, and 1 cohort study. Analyses were stratified by dietary pattern: fasting; Mediterranean diet; ketogenic diet; plant-based, high-protein diet; and anti-inflammatory diet. The results suggest these all have the ability to benefit patients’ experiences with chemotherapy. Fasting; a Mediterranean diet; a plant-based, high-protein diet; and an anti-inflammatory diet may reduce toxicities such as fatigue, diarrhea, insomnia, and nausea throughout chemotherapy. Additionally, fasting, a Mediterranean diet, and an anti-inflammatory diet may improve patients’ QOL throughout treatment. The ketogenic diet might offer initial advantages in improving diarrhea, physical activity, and QOL; however, these results may not be sustainable. Conclusions: Although no dietary intervention has enough supporting evidence to recommend it as the most advantageous in reducing chemotherapy toxicities and improving QOL in patients undergoing chemotherapy, no intervention can be ruled out. Cancer survivors may benefit from adopting specific dietary patterns to alleviate chemotherapy toxicities and improve QOL. These reductions may improve chemotherapy tolerance, minimize treatment interruptions, and enhance daily functioning. Further research is necessary to uncover the most beneficial dietary pattern.