Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 01, 2025 2 days, 19 hours, 28 minutes ago
Medical News: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common form of leukemia in the Western world. This condition is marked by the gradual accumulation of abnormal B lymphocytes, which proliferate uncontrollably in the blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen. CLL often affects older adults, with a median diagnosis age of 70 years, but younger individuals can also develop the disease.
Diet and Fasting in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Many Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cases are diagnosed during routine blood tests, as early stages frequently present without noticeable symptoms. However, as the disease advances, it can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. While early-stage CLL often follows a "watch and wait" approach, advanced stages may require targeted treatment to manage disease progression.
The Role of Diet and Fasting in Cancer Management
Recent research highlights the potential role of diet and fasting as complementary approaches in cancer treatment. This
Medical News report explores these possibilities, focusing on their impact on the metabolism of cancer cells and their interaction with standard treatments.
Researchers from the Department of Hematology and Oncology at ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda in Milan, Italy, including Alessandra Trojani, Luca Emanuele Bossi, and Roberto Cairoli, have reviewed the effects of diet and fasting on Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Key Findings on Fasting and Cancer Cells
Fasting has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer management due to its ability to create metabolic stress that preferentially affects cancer cells. Fasting and fasting-mimicking diets induce metabolic changes such as reduced levels of glucose and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which are critical for the growth and survival of cancer cells. By depriving cancer cells of essential nutrients and growth factors, these approaches can enhance the effectiveness of therapies like chemotherapy while protecting normal cells.
Cancer cells rely heavily on glucose as their primary energy source through a process known as the Warburg effect. This metabolic phenomenon enables cancer cells to generate energy through glycolysis, even in the presence of oxygen. Fasting counteracts this by reducing glycolysis and increasing oxidative phosphorylation, leading to oxidative stress in cancer cells. This stress makes cancer cells more susceptible to apoptosis, especially when combined with chemotherapy.
Impact on the Stromal Microenvironment
The stromal microenvironment plays a significant role in cancer progression, particularly in Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It supports cancer cell survival, proliferation, and immune evasion. Diet and fasting have been shown to influence the stromal microenvironment, altering the production of signaling molecules and metabolic pathways that support cancer growth. For instance, retinoic acid, derived from dietary components, can regulate stromal cell functions,
potentially disrupting the supportive microenvironment and hindering leukemia cell dissemination.
Role of Specific Nutrients
-Vitamin C
Vitamin C has been studied for its potential anticancer effects. Research has demonstrated that ascorbic acid can induce apoptosis in Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells through oxidative stress mechanisms. Additionally, it enhances the efficacy of targeted therapies when used as an adjuvant. Genetic studies suggest that certain polymorphisms in vitamin C transporter genes might influence its therapeutic effectiveness.
-Vitamin D
Vitamin D has also garnered attention for its role in Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Low levels of vitamin D are associated with faster disease progression and shorter treatment-free survival. Supplementation has been linked to improved outcomes, including prolonged time to first treatment in early-stage CLL patients.
-Olive Oil and Bioactive Compounds
A pilot study investigated the effects of olive oil enriched with bioactive compounds like oleocanthal and oleacein in early-stage Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. The results indicated increased apoptosis of CLL cells and improved metabolic markers, suggesting that dietary components can directly influence cancer cell viability.
Fasting and Chemotherapy Synergy
Combining fasting with chemotherapy offers a unique advantage. Fasting can protect normal cells from chemotherapy-induced damage while sensitizing cancer cells to treatment. This differential effect arises because normal cells enter a protective "maintenance mode" during fasting, whereas cancer cells, unable to adapt to nutrient deprivation, become more vulnerable.
Studies also highlight the impact of fasting on immune responses. Fasting-mimicking diets can enhance the activity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), critical components of the immune system’s response to cancer. This boost in immune function further supports the use of fasting as an adjunct to traditional therapies.
Challenges and Future Directions
While preclinical studies and small-scale trials have shown promising results, larger randomized clinical trials are necessary to establish the safety and efficacy of diet and fasting interventions in Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). These studies should explore optimal fasting durations, patient selection criteria, and the integration of dietary strategies with conventional treatments.
Conclusion
Diet and fasting hold potential as complementary approaches to CLL treatment, offering mechanisms to enhance therapy effectiveness, reduce side effects, and improve patient outcomes. By targeting cancer metabolism and the tumor microenvironment, these interventions provide a novel avenue for managing CLL. However, further research is essential to translate these findings into clinical practice.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Hemato.
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-6357/5/4/31
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