Nutrition plays an important role in the success of immunotherapy

Nutrition plays an important role in the success of immunotherapy

A new study presented today at UEG Week 2022 found that a Mediterranean diet rich in fiber, monounsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols is associated with improved response rates to immunotherapy and progression-free survival in patients with advanced melanoma.

Experts believe diet will play an important role in the success of immunotherapy, and studies are expanding to examine outcomes for different tumor types, including digestive cancer.

A Mediterranean diet that included monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats from olive oil, nuts and fish, polyphenols and fiber from vegetables, fruits and whole grains was significantly associated with improved response to immunotherapy drugs called immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). ICIs, which have proven highly successful in treating melanoma, work by blocking immune system checkpoints, which then force the body's T cells to attack cancers.

The new multicenter study by researchers from the United Kingdom and the Netherlands recorded the dietary intake of 91 patients with advanced melanoma treated with ICI drugs and monitored their progress through regular radiological check-ups.

A Mediterranean diet not only had a significant association with overall response rate, but also a significant association with progression-free survival at 12 months.

ICI has helped revolutionize the treatment of various types of advanced cancers. Our study highlights the importance of nutritional assessment in cancer patients starting ICI treatment and supports the role of nutritional strategies in improving patient outcomes and survival.”

Laura Bolte, study author and doctoral student, University Hospital Groningen

The study also found that eating whole grains and legumes reduced the likelihood of developing drug-induced immune-related side effects such as colitis. In contrast, red and processed meat were associated with a higher likelihood of immune-related side effects.

"Linking the ICI response to diet and the gut microbiome opens a promising and exciting future for improving treatment responses. Clinical trials investigating the effects of a high-fiber diet, a ketogenic diet and omega-3 supplementation are underway. ICI therapy has been ongoing since then." “Expanded to various tumor types, including digestive cancer, these studies could reveal treatment benefits for a large group of cancer patients in the future,” added Laura Bolte.

Source:

United European Gastroenterology

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