[The effect of diet on the treatment of malignant diseases]

The importance of dietary factors for the incidence of cancer has been discussed to an increasing extent in recent years while less attention has been devoted to the effect of food on the treatment of an established oncological disease. Carcinoma per se gives rise to reduced food consumption, and different treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy contribute further to disturbances of nutrition. This article summarises current knowledge of the potential significance of diet and its various components for optimal cancer therapy. There may well be profit to be gained as regards anti-cancer therapy and generally supportive measures.