Diet May Offer Aid in Managing Advanced Breast Cancer, According to Scientists' Claims
A groundbreaking study, published in the prestigious Breast Cancer Research and Treatment journal, has shed light on the impact of a whole-foods, plant-based (WFPB) diet on women with stage 4 breast cancer. However, it's important to note that the available search results do not provide detailed, specific clinical trial documentation for this particular population.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center and Wilmot Cancer Institute, focused on 30 patients with stage 4 breast cancer who were on stable treatment and could tolerate food. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: one received standard care, while the other ate meals provided by the research team for eight weeks.
The WFPB diet provided to the intervention group consisted solely of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, potatoes, nuts, and seeds, with participants required to avoid animal-based foods, all oils, and added solid fats. Participants also took a daily multivitamin as part of the study.
The results were promising. Women who exclusively ate a WFPB diet improved their cholesterol levels, lost weight, had less fatigue, and perceived that they felt sharper mentally and generally more well. Remarkably, these improvements were achieved without mandated exercise.
One of the key findings of the study was a reduction in blood samples of IGF-1, a growth factor associated with many common cancers. The study also reported less inflammation in participants.
Thomas Campbell, founder and co-director of the UR Medicine/Highland Hospital Nutrition in Medicine Research Center, who is an obesity medicine specialist and co-author of the book "The China Study" about nutrition and health, was instrumental in the study.
While this study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of a WFPB diet for women with stage 4 breast cancer, it's crucial to acknowledge that there is a lack of detailed clinical trial documentation specific to this population in the current search results. For those seeking specific clinical trial protocols and dietary guidelines, it may be necessary to consult clinical trial registries or research institutions conducting oncology nutrition trials directly.
Interestingly, a separate study by co-author Erin Campbell, MD, showed that diets leading to the biggest health improvements were the same or cheaper in terms of food costs compared to standard American diets, addressing a common concern about the affordability of plant-based diets.
The team is also collaborating with Isaac Harris, PhD, at Wilmot, for a bench-to-clinic investigation funded by the American Cancer Society. Two additional papers were also published from the dietary intervention: a second study in the same journal, and a third study in Frontiers in Nutrition.
The study results suggest favourable changes within the body, offering a positive outlook for future research in this area. As the understanding of the role of diet in cancer treatment continues to evolve, the potential benefits of a WFPB diet for women with stage 4 breast cancer warrant further investigation.
The groundbreaking study, published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, unearthed the potential impact of a whole-foods, plant-based (WFPB) diet on women with stage 4 breast cancer, focusing on medical-conditions linked to nutrition and health-and-wellness. Remarkably, this study demonstrated reduction in IGF-1, a growth factor associated with many common cancers, and less inflammation in participants. Despite the promising results, it's essential to note that detailed, specific clinical trial documentation for this particular population remains scarce, prompting a need for further investigation in women's health.
