Perioperative Medicine (May 2018)
Influence of immunological nutrition on treatment of patients with oncological profile
Abstract
In the reviewed article, we consider epidemiological and laboratory data that confirm the protective effects of biologically active nutrients in our diet for various diseases. Along with various factors such as alcohol, smoking, nutrition plays a vital role in influencing the patient’s immune response by transforming cells or by preventing, or acceleration of malignancy. Many data suggest that immunoactive nutrients control inflammatory and precancerous reactions in immune cells. Immunoprophylaxis is usually associated with modulation of the immune response when inflamed, thereby improving clinical outcomes. Different nutrients, including glutamine, arginine, vitamins, minerals and long-chain fatty acids, are important components of immunological nutrition. Clinical studies associated with these substances show different results with minimal effect. However, some studies have shown that these nutrients may have immunomodulatory effects that can reduce the risk of developing cancer. Pre-clinical studies claim that most of these nutrients have a positive effect in the complex treatment of cancer patients. In this article, we will consider the effect of the above nutrients on the immune system in patients of oncologic profile. Recent evidences suggest that immunological nutrition plays an important role in the development of cancer and its progression. Data from animal studies have clearly shown that the use of immunomodulatory nutrients isolated from food, by launching a cascade of immunological reactions, can detect and eliminate the tumor. Although the technology has evolved to such an extent that we can study each individual cytokine or function of the immune cell, it is difficult to demonstrate the powerful role of the immune system in preventing or treating cancer due to the complexity of the tumor cell or heterogeneity in different patients' populations. However, the study sheds light on interactions in immune responses and cancer development, prevention and therapeutic strategies that involve modulation through biologically active agents.
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