Effect of a whole food plant-based dietary intervention on cancer progression and inflammatory markers

Persistent inflammation and features of the tumor microenvironment are linked to poorer prognosis in breast cancer. This study examined the effects of a whole food, plant-based (WFPB) diet on serum biomarkers of proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and inflammation in women with metastatic breast cancer.

Women with stage 4 breast cancer undergoing treatment were randomized to either a WFPB diet (n = 20) or usual care (n = 10) for 8 weeks. Blood samples collected at baseline, 4, and 8 weeks were analyzed for disease progression and inflammation markers, including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, MCP-1, PDGF-AB/BB, FGF-2, MIF, sFasL, TNF-α, TRAIL, CA15-3, HGF, leptin, VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and angiopoietin-2. Data were evaluated using t-tests, ANCOVA, and Pearson's correlations.

While no statistically significant between-group differences were found-likely due to the small control group-several within-group changes were observed in the WFPB group. TNF-α decreased significantly by week 8 (P < .05), as did leptin at both weeks 4 and 8 (P < .001). Novel findings include significant decline in CA15-3 and VEGF-C levels by week 8 (both P < .05). CA15-3 positively correlated with sFasL (R = 0.72, P < .001), TRAIL (R = 0.58, P < .05), and TNF-α (R = 0.52, P < .01).

This randomized trial is among the first to assess dietary intervention effects on progression-related biomarkers in metastatic breast cancer. The WFPB diet was associated with reductions in inflammatory and tumor markers, suggesting potential to reduce inflammation and slow disease progression. Further research is warranted.