Mechanistic Insights into the Role of Nutrition in Carcinogenesis and Cancer Care

Dear Colleagues,

Cancer seems to be the largest health threat worldwide, as it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Various genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors have been implicated in its development and progression. Diet has been proven to be an important factor implicated in the pathogenesis and evolution of a variety of cancers, and further research is needed to establish diet as an important determinant in all cancers. Various dietary components and dietary patterns have been associated directly with the pathogenesis of cancer, inducing systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitogenesis. Indirectly, unhealthy diets and habits drive obesity and diabetes mellitus, which are significantly associated with cancer development and its progression. Patients with a diagnosis of cancer go through a variety of therapeutic regimens (surgery, irradiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and new treatment modalities) and experience a high burden of symptoms (nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and weight loss), many of which affect nutritional intake and contribute to the development of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and cachexia, which in turn can influence both patient outcomes and the effectiveness of treatment modalities. Knowledge of the specific involvement of diet in cancer development seems to be an effective strategy for primary prevention of cancer. In addition, dietary intervention for primary and secondary prevention of obesity and diabetes mellitus seems an important strategy for primary and secondary prevention of cancer. Targeted nutritional intervention, including personalized dietary counseling, supplementation, and maintaining a healthy body mass index, in parallel with promising pharmacological intervention, can support patients during the course of cancer and improve the effectiveness of treatment and the overall outcome.

Prof. Dr. Peppa Melpomeni
Guest Editor

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