Cancer Abstracts on General Nutrition
Antioxidants & Cancer
Antioxidants (1) - Intake in the United States
Antioxidants have been suggested to reduce the risk to cancer, heart disease and other chronic diseases.
Used 3 national surveys. The first was the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by the National Center For Health Statistics in 1976-1980. It gave data from over 12,000 adults. The second major survey was conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture called the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals. This contained data in approximately 1,100 women between 19 and 50 years of age. The third major survey was a supplement to the National Health Interview Survey conducted by the National Center For Health Statistics done in 1987.
Suggests that many Americans may be consuming levels of antioxidant nutrients that are considerably lower than optimal for the prevention of chronic disease. The problem is significant for those near or at the poverty level. It is noted that though even for those 300% above the poverty level, approximately 75% consume less than the RDA for vitamin E and one quarter consumed less than the RDA for vitamin C. The author feels the public health policy should attempt to improve antioxidant nutrient status in the US population.
"Antioxidant Intake in the United States," Toxicology and Industrial Health, January-April 1993;9(1/2), 295-301.
Antioxidants (2)
In the Basel Study overall mortality from cancer was associated with low mean plasma levels of carotene adjusted for cholesterol and of vitamin C. Plasma levels of all the major essential antioxidants are associated with an increased risk of subsequent cancer mortality.
"Inverse Correlation Between Essential Antioxidants In Plasma And Subsequent Risk to Develop Cancer, Ischemic Heart Disease and Stroke Respectively: 12-Year Follow-Up of the Prospective Basel Study", Eichholzer, M. et al, Free Radicals and Aging, 1992;398-410.
Antioxidants (3)
Flavonoids are rich in fruits and vegetables. In some short term in vitro studies flavonoids have been mutagenic. They have also been reported to have some beneficial effects in human diseases including cancer. Flavonoids are natural antioxidants. Flavonoids have been evaluated in the treatment of several human diseases such as cancer. There is evidence of the potentially hazardous nature of flavonoids with regards to enhancement of nitrosation. Reducted the bioavailability of carcinogens.
"Flavonoids in Foods: Their Significance For Nutrition and Health", Stavric, B. and Matula, T.I., Lipid Soluble Antioxidants: Biochemistry and Clinical Applications, 1992;274-294.
Arginine & Cancer
Arginine Supplementation
A 1% arginine supplementation in mice showed enhanced thymic weight, spleen cell mitogenesis and interferon-activated natural killer cell activity. In tumor bearing mice 1% arginine significantly retarded tumor growth and prolonged survival time compared with glycine or no supplementation. Dietary arginine enhanced T-cell function and increased responsiveness to autologous C1300 tumor and a mixed lymphocyte tumor cell culture. Arginine's immune potentiating mechanism is unknown but it is a secretagogue of growth hormone, insulin, and prolactin, all of which can positively affect the immune system. Arginine is a nonspecific immune modulator and may be a useful adjunct to patients receiving traditional cancer therapy.
"Immunologic Effects of Arginine Supplementation in Tumor-Bearing and Non-Tumor-Bearing Hosts", Reynolds, JV. et al, Annals of Surgery, February 1990;211(2):202-209.
Beta carotene & Cancer
Vitamin A and Beta-Carotene
Patients (#205) with epithelial cancers were evaluated for beta-carotene and vitamin A levels and were shown to be significantly lower compared to controls. These results suggest a possible association between vitamin A and epithelial cancers. It is not known whether this deficiency is actually caused by the tumor itself, or the deficiency causes the disease. Beta-carotene and vitamin A levels were higher in males than females with lung cancer and lower in cancers of the oral cavity in males versus females.
"Vitamin and Provitamin A Levels in Epithelial Cancers: A Preliminary Study", Ramaswamy, P. Girija, et al, Nutrition and Cancer, 1990;14(3 & 4):273-276.
Chemotherapy & Cancer
Glutathione
The most abundant nonprotein intercellular thiol, glutathione exists as pools in the cytosol, nucleus, and mitochondrion. It is involved in the detoxification of toxic compounds by conjugation reactions and the inactivation of reactive oxygen species. Glutathione is important in the control of apoptosis and the regulation of drug extrusion.
Kearns, Pamela R. and Hall, Andrew G.: Glutathione and the Response of Malignant Cells to Chemotherapy, DDT, March, 1998;3(3):113-121.
Chemotherapy and Nutritional Deficiencies
Both cancer and cancer chemotherapy have a significant impact on the nutritional status of patients. Malnutrition is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in these patients. Protein calorie malnutrition is important in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Cachexia affects 33% to 67% of advanced cancer patients. The aim of much chemotherapy is to cause nutritional disturbances preventing DNA, RNA and/or protein synthesis thereby inhibiting replication of malignant cells. Micronutrient deficiencies that may occur are vitamins B1, B2, B3 and K, folic acid, and thymine. Folic acid is affected by methotrexate, a potent inhibitor of folic acid reduction. Vitamin K can be effected by long term antibiotic treatment that can effect bowel flora. Thymine deficiency usually results from antimetabolite therapy. Eighty percent of cancer patients have reduced serum albumin which is usually related to decreased albumin synthesis. Chemotherapy can cause deficiencies by promoting anorexia, stomatitis and other GI disturbances.
"Nutritional Deficiencies in Patients Receiving Cancer Chemotherapy", Dreizen, S. et al, Postgraduate Medicine, January 1990;87(1):163-168.
Copper & Cancer
Copper II-doxorubicin complex’s antitumor activity probably involves intracelluar as well as extracellular mechanisms.
"Cardiotoxicity and Antitumor Activity of a Copper (II) - Doxorubicin Chelate", Monti, E. et al, Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology, 1990;25:333-336.
Diet & Cancer
This is an extensive review article reviewing the recent investigation of phytochemicals and edible plants affecting carcinogenesis.
Substances inhibiting covalent DNA binding are phenethyl isothiocyanate in broccoli and cabbage; ellagic acid in fruits, nuts, berries, seeds and vegetables; flavonoids in polyphenolic acid in fruits and vegetables.
Inhibitors of tumor promotion include retinol in orange-yellow vegetables and fruits; vitamin E from nuts and wheat germ; ascorbic acid in fruits and vegetables; beta-carotene from green and yellow vegetables and fruits; organosulfur compounds in garlic and onions; curcumin in turmeric/curry; and capsaicin in chili peppers.
Those inducing biotransformation include indole-3-carbinol from cabbage, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, spinach and broccoli, and selenium from seafood and garlic.
Those foods reducing the absorption of carcinogens include fiber from fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts; cooking and washing of grains, nuts and mushrooms; riboflavin chlorophyllin from fruits and vegetables. As far as the dietary goals are concerned we consume too many dairy and animal products and leguminous foods while not enough fruits, vegetables and cereal grains. The author also reviews the possible relationship from oncogenic viruses transmitted to humans via the food chain with special emphasis on beef, chicken, fish and the feline leukemia virus. Vegetarian diets may be of benefit in cancer prevention. Types of fats reviewed include saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
"New Directions: The Diet-Cancer Link", Byers, T. et al, Patient Care, November 30, 1990;34-48.
Folinic acid & Cancer
The potent antitumor activity of F-fluorouracil (FUra) can be potentiated by 5-formyletrahydrofolate (folinic acid). Phase II clinical trials have showed promising results in the combination of folinic acid and FUra in patients with solid tumors as well as randomized controlled studies in patients with colorectal carcinoma. This combination therapy is now under investigation for treatment of carcinomas of the breast, stomach, head and neck.
"Enhancement of the Antitumor Effects of 5-Fluorouracil by Folinic Acid", Mini, Enrico, et al, Pharmacologic Therapeutics, 1990;47:1-19.
Garlic & Cancer
Garlic (1)
This extensive review article lists approximately 30 studies from 1949 through 1986 on garlic and cancer. Epidemiologically garlic and onion consumption is associated with reduced mortality from cancer. Garlic is rich in sulfur compounds and may be important in several detoxification pathways. Garlic has antitumor and cancer inhibition properties. Other documented effects of garlic include antibiotic and antifungal activity, fibrinolysis and platelet aggregation inhibition. The trace elements selenium and germanium, antioxidants in their own right, are constituents of Japanese garlic.
"Garlic: A Review of Its Relationship to Malignant Disease", Dausch, JG. & Nixon, DW. Preventive Medicine, May 1990;19(3):346-361.
Garlic (2)
This review states Kyolic garlic extract enhanced the elimination of candida albicans in infected animals. Kyolic can inhibit aflatoxin or benzopyrene induced mutagenesis. It can also inhibit aflatoxin from binding to DNA. Garlic reduces the formation of organosoluble metabolites and increases the formation of water soluble metabolites facilitating elimination of the carcinogen.
"Anticandidal and Anticarcinogenic Potentials For Garlic", Tadi, PP. et al, International Clinical Nutrition Review, October 1990;10(4):423-429.
Licorice & Cancer
Glycyrrhizin
Diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) markedly augmented the anti-proliferative effect of tumor necrosis factor and glycyrrhizin. Pretreatment of the tumor cells with DDC was also effective in stimulating the inhibitory effect of these agents when added. This study strongly suggests the possible roles of oxygen free radicals on the biological functions of glycyrrhizin (licorice).
"The Augmented Antiproliferative Effect of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), Lymphotoxin and Glycyrrhizin in Combined Use With Diethyldithiocarbamate on Meth A Tumor Cells In Vitro", Japanese Journal of Experimental Medicine, 1990;60(2):67-71.
Iron & Cancer
Iron (1)
Iron catalyzes the production of oxygen radicals. It is also required for DNA synthesis and cell proliferation. Iron chelators can prevent cell proliferation. A correlation between transferrin saturation and cancer was found. Iron is necessary for growing cells as well as for pathogenic organisms. The WHO has a number of studies trying to evaluate the role of iron fortification. Sweden should be studied because it has the world's highest general iron fortification level and highest intake of iron.
"Is Excess Iron Carcinogenic", Reizenstein, P. Medical Oncology and Tumor Pharmacology, 1990;7(1):1-2.
Iron (2)
Elderly patients should not be taking iron supplements because of the increased evidence linking excessive iron with tumor growth since elderly patients are already at an increased risk. This warning excludes patients with anemia. In Sweden the incidence of primary liver cancer increased 3.5 fold when flour was fortified with iron. Elderly patients with normal hemoglobin levels should avoid iron supplements.
"Iron Supplements May Raise Cancer Risk in The Elderly", Geriatric Consultant, March/April 1990;6.
Magnesium & Cancer
Magnesium deficiency
Early during magnesium deficiency, histamine is released. Magnesium appears to protect against precancerous cellular changes. Its deficiency may trigger transformation that predisposes to neoplastic cell division.
Magnesium deficiency can disturb cell membrane structure and function with reduced fluidity and permeability that is seen in cancer cells. Cancer cells have high metabolic requirements.
Malignancies may be stimulated by magnesium's use unless it is given to counteract the serious side effects of magnesium depletion caused by antineoplastic therapy.
Magnesium has been used to control bronchial asthma and interact with other nutrients that may effect immunocompetence. Familial differences in absorption and excretion of magnesium, and the high heritability of tissue magnesium levels associated with the major histocompatibility complex, may affect individual and familial variability in susceptibility to immunologic disorders and development of neoplasms.
"Magnesium and Other Nutritional Clinical Deficiencies in Immunologic Abnormalities Including Allergies and Neoplasms", Seelig, M.S., et al, Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 1993;12(5):579/Abstract 7.
Malnutrition & Cancer
Malnutrition and Esophageal Cancer
Hospitalized patients (50%) suffer from nutritional deficiency.
Prior to therapy these patients had experienced an average 7.85 kg loss in body weight. After parenteral nutrition there was a 3.3 kg rise in body weight. Hematocrit dropped 6.
There was no apparent benefit from preoperative parenteral nutrition utilizing this solution.
"Malnutrition in Cancer Patients", Nurnberger, H.R. & Lohlein, D., Infusionstherapie, 1990;17(Suppl. 3):59-62.
Nutritional factors & Cancer
Contents:
Nutritional strategy
Nutritional support
Nutrition - TPN
Nutritional strategy
The role of nutrition in cancer patients is highly important, not just in preventing development of the cancer but also in avoiding greater weight loss accompanying the cancerous cachexia in the evolution of the cancer. The different ways of treating cancer also involve increased deterioration of the nutritional state. To design a correct nutritional strategy for these patients, it is fundamental to understand the anomalies present at the metabolic level, including those affecting the cancer carrying host and those observed in the tumor itself.
If glucose is the predominant non-protein calorie source, it seems to have a stimulating effect on tumor growth. While, at the level of the tumor, there is an inability to correctly oxidize fatty acids.
A better grasp and design of nutritional strategy should reduce morbidity and mortality and improve quality of life.
[Carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in the cancer patient] Planas-M et al., Nutr. Hosp. 1994 Mar-Apr; 9(2): 69-77.
Nutritional support
The process of tissue regeneration and healing requires individualized nutrition, often with dietary manipulation of regular foodstuffs and supplements to prevent or correct previous or iatrogenic deficiencies. A practical approach to problem-solving in order to provide the best possible nutritional support at home is presented.
[Nutritional support in oncology. The outpatient] Camilo-ME Acta-Med-Port. 1994 Apr; 7(4): 221-5.
Nutrition - TPN
The status of plasma taurine and the influence of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) was determined in fasting cancer patients after surgery and 7-14 days after starting TPN
Plasma taurine was 50% lower in patients than in control subjects. Plasma taurine was significantly greater than baseline only after 14 days of TPN
Subnormal taurine concentrations commonly occur in malnourished postoperative cancer patients; surgery further precipitates their fall. Plasma concentrations were maintained only with taurine-supplemented TPN.
Taurine-supplemented total parenteral nutrition and taurine status of malnourished cancer patients. Gray-GE et al., Nutrition. 1994 Jan-Feb; 10(1): 11-5.
Selenium & Cancer
Studies have shown that serum levels of selenium are low in patients with certain cancers.
Patients with a history of non-melanoma skin cancers took 200 mcg of selenium (or placebo) for 7 years.
There was a 52% reduction in cancer mortality and a 41% reduction in cancer incidence, although it did not reduce the risk of recurrence.
Am. J. Epidem. 1996, 143 (S11): S15 (Abstract).
Folic acid & Cancer
Folic acid and Neural tube defects
Folic acid prevents neural tube defects. All women should consume 0.4 mg daily.
Butterworth, C.E.: Folate Status, Women's Health, Pregnancy Outcome and Cancer. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 1993;12(4):438-441. Aging, Atherosclerosis and Cancer
Head & neck Carcinoma
Head & neck carcinoma
The relationship between nutritional status and survival at 2 years in patients with head and neck carcinoma.
Serial nutritional assessments were conducted throughout the course of combined initial antineoplastic treatment and nutritional support. The presence of cell-mediated immunity at the end of treatment was associated with a 2-year survival rate of 100%, whereas patients who were anergic at the end of treatment had a 2-year survival rate of 48% (P < 0.01).
Prognosis in head and neck cancer is based on many factors, but vigorous nutritional support during initial treatment may have some effect on morbidity, tumor recurrence, and survival time.
Nutritional support and prognosis in patients with head and neck cancer. Lopez-MJ et al., J-Surg-Oncol. 1994 Jan; 55(1): 33-6.
Breastfeeding
Breast feeding
Women who breast feed reduce their own risks of developing premenopausal breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and postmenopausal osteoporosis. Breast feeding mothers do lose bone mass but regain their bone density later regardless of milk intake or calcium supplementation. Frequent breast feeding from the beginning minimizes jaundice and maximizes milk production. Because the greatest concentration of fat and calories in breast milk comes from the milk at the end of the feeding, the infant should be allowed to breast feed until satisfied. Breast milk contains all fluids necessary for the first 6 months of life.
Worcester, Sharon: Breast Feeding Advice You Never Got in Med School, Family Practice News, January 1, 1998;26.
Essential Fatty Acids
EFA's & the Immune Function
In malnourished cancer patients, the ratio of T-helper to T-suppressor cells was significantly lower than in well-nourished cancer patients. After supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, however, the T-helper to suppressor ratio increased significantly. In evaluating 60 patients with generalized solid tumors who were randomized to receive dietary supplementation with either fish oil or a placebo daily until death, 15 in each group were well-nourished while 15 in each group were malnourished. The mean survival was significantly higher for the subgroup of well-nourished patients in both groups, whereas the omega-3 fatty acids prolonged the survival of all the patients. There was no significant difference among cytokine production in the various groups, except for a decrease in tumor necrosis factor production in the malnourished cancer patients which was restored by omega-3 fatty acids. The authors believe that dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation with an antioxidant such as vitamin E may offer palliative support predominantly to undernourished patients with end stage metastatic disease, especially when no other chemotherapeutic approach will affect quality of life and survival.
Gogos, Charalambos A., M.D., et al: Dietary Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Plus Vitamin E Restore Immunodeficiency and Prolong Survival for Severely Ill Patients With Generalized Malignancy, Cancer, January 15, 1998;82(2):395-402.
Fatty acids
In a study using T24/83, Hep2, and LLC-WRC256 tumor cell lines, it was found that fatty acids of varying chain length and degree of unsaturation inhibited cellular proliferation. There also was a strong correlation between the degree of inhibition of proliferation and the degree of unsaturation of 18-carbon fatty acids for all cell lines. The tumor cells were able to differentiate between the degree of unsaturation of the 18-carbon fatty acids, ultimately enabling the cells to change proliferation rate through an unknown mechanism.
Colquhoun, Alison and Curi, Rui: Effects of Saturated and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Human Tumor-Cell Proliferation, Gen. Pharmac., 1998;30(2):191-194.
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