Long-Term Effectiveness of Dietary Interventions on Inflammatory Biomarkers in Women with Breast Cancer: A Systematic...

Improving the prognosis of breast cancer remains a challenge despite the reduction in its mortality rates. Inflammatory parameters have been suggested as prognostic biomarkers of cancer. A healthy diet could potentially modify these factors; however, to date, findings have been inconclusive.

This review was conducted to estimate the strength of the association between healthy dietary interventions and inflammatory markers in women with breast cancer after a minimum 6-month follow-up.

The following literature databases were searched: MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library.

Clinical trials that compared the effect of dietary interventions on the inflammatory profile of patients with breast cancer were selected. Quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool. Two researchers independently selected and evaluated the quality of the studies based on eligibility criteria.

Mean differences between intervention groups and their 95% CIs were calculated using a random-effects model. The presence of heterogeneity was analyzed with Cochran's Q test, and I2 was estimated. Funnel plots and Egger's test were used to assess publication bias.

A total of 11 trials were included in the meta-analysis. Adherence to a healthy diet significantly decreased C-reactive protein (CRP) levels compared with the control group (standard mean difference = -0.17; 95% CI -0.32 to -0.02; I2 = 0.00%). This result was maintained in the interventions focused on weight loss, including only patients with overweight, those incorporating physical activity, when follow-up was restricted to 6 months, and with interventions lasting at least 6 months.

Adhering to a healthy diet could decrease levels of CRP in women with breast cancer. The additional goals of weight loss in patients with overweight, the promotion of physical activity, and the duration of the dietary intervention may be relevant aspects when planning strategies for these patients.

PROSPERO registration No. CRD42023402084.