Abstract
A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the effect of diet on immune function in nine premenopausal, post-therapy patients with breast cancer. The patients were instructed on following the American Cancer Society dietary guidelines and were told to do so from day 0 to day 28. These guidelines recommend a high-fiber, low-fat diet. On day 29, the patients continued the diet but included fish high in omega-3 fatty acids until day 56. Twenty-four-hour urine and blood samples, and 3-day diet records were obtained on days 0, 28, and 56. The following parameters were monitored: lymphocyte subsets, T-cell function (proliferation and cytolytic response), and urinary prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Results throughout the study suggested a benefit from decreasing dietary fat intake, and increasing fish intake. Helper T-cell (CD4) percentage increased from day 0 to days 28 and 56 (P = 0.048). Cytotoxic/suppressor T-cell (CD8) percentage decreased from day 0 to days 28 and 56 (P = 0.002). The CD4/CD8 cell ratio increased by day 28 and 56 (P = 0.0004). The proliferation of CD4 cells increased from day 0 to days 28 and 56 (P = 0.005). Significant changes were not found in the cytolytic activity of T cells, natural killer cells, total T and B cells, or urinary prostaglandin E2. Results suggest that patients with breast cancer may benefit from following American Cancer Society dietary guidelines and consuming cold-water ocean fish.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 239-246 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Cancer Practice |
Volume | 3 |
Issue number | 4 |
State | Published - 1995 |
Keywords
- breast cancer
- cancer
- diet
- immune system
- medical oncology
- nutritin
- omega-3 fatty acids
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Nursing
- Oncology