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Role of Diet and Nutrition in Cancer: Prevention, Treatment and Survivorship

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2021) | Viewed by 50943

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, Yokohama, Japan
Interests: cancer treatment; supportive care; palliative care; cancer prevention; quality of life
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Diet and nutrition are important factors in cancer prevention and treatment, as an unbalanced diet can increase the risk of cancer onset, and malnutrition negatively impacts the efficacy of cancer treatment. Recent epidemiologic research has identified lifestyle and genetic factors associated with cancer prevention, while the identification of novel molecular agents has drastically changed treatment strategies. As a result of improved outcomes for cancer patients, increased focus has been placed on how to manage cancer survivors, including the roles of diet and nutrition.

The aim of this Special Issue of Nutrients is to present the latest research on the roles of diet and nutrition in cancer prevention, cancer treatment, and cancer survivorship.

Dr. Hiroto Narimatsu
Dr. Yuri Yaguchi
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • Treatment
  • Chemotherapy
  • Cancer Prevention
  • Diet Therapy
  • Cancer Survivors
  • Health Management

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

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2 pages, 176 KiB  
Editorial
The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Cancer: Prevention, Treatment, and Survival
by Hiroto Narimatsu and Yuri Tanaka Yaguchi
Nutrients 2022, 14(16), 3329; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14163329 - 14 Aug 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2921
Abstract
Diet and nutrition are important factors in cancer prevention and treatment because an unbalanced diet increases the risk of cancer onset, while malnutrition negatively impacts the efficacy of cancer treatment [...] Full article

Research

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15 pages, 2832 KiB  
Article
Obesity Modulates the Gut Microbiome in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
by Fokhrul Hossain, Samarpan Majumder, Justin David, Bruce A. Bunnell and Lucio Miele
Nutrients 2021, 13(10), 3656; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13103656 - 19 Oct 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3588
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive, molecularly heterogeneous subtype of breast cancer. Obesity is associated with increased incidence and worse prognosis in TNBC through various potential mechanisms. Recent evidence suggests that the gut microbiome plays a central role in the progression of [...] Read more.
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive, molecularly heterogeneous subtype of breast cancer. Obesity is associated with increased incidence and worse prognosis in TNBC through various potential mechanisms. Recent evidence suggests that the gut microbiome plays a central role in the progression of cancer, and that imbalances or dysbiosis in the population of commensal microbiota can lead to inflammation and contribute to tumor progression. Obesity is characterized by low-grade inflammation, and gut dysbiosis is associated with obesity, chronic inflammation, and failure of cancer immunotherapy. However, the debate on what constitutes a “healthy” gut microbiome is ongoing, and the connection among the gut microbiome, obesity, and TNBC has not yet been addressed. This study aims to characterize the role of obesity in modulating the gut microbiome in a syngeneic mouse model of TNBC. 16S rRNA sequencing and metagenomic analyses were performed to analyze and annotate genus and taxonomic profiles. Our results suggest that obesity decreases alpha diversity in the gut microbiome. Metagenomic analysis revealed that obesity was the only significant factor explaining the similarity of the bacterial communities according to their taxonomic profiles. In contrast to the analysis of taxonomic profiles, the analysis of variation of functional profiles suggested that obesity status, tumor presence, and the obesity–tumor interaction were significant in explaining the variation of profiles, with obesity having the strongest correlation. The presence of tumor modified the profiles to a greater extent in obese than in lean animals. Further research is warranted to understand the impact of the gut microbiome on TNBC progression and immunotherapy. Full article
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15 pages, 582 KiB  
Article
Dietary Intake and Diet Quality of Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer and the General Population: Results from the SCCSS-Nutrition Study
by Fabiën N. Belle, Angeline Chatelan, Rahel Kasteler, Luzius Mader, Idris Guessous, Maja Beck-Popovic, Marc Ansari, Claudia E. Kuehni and Murielle Bochud
Nutrients 2021, 13(6), 1767; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061767 - 22 May 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2550
Abstract
Childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) are at increased risk of developing chronic health conditions. This may potentially be reduced by a balanced diet. We aimed to compare dietary intake and diet quality using the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) of adult CCSs and the [...] Read more.
Childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) are at increased risk of developing chronic health conditions. This may potentially be reduced by a balanced diet. We aimed to compare dietary intake and diet quality using the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) of adult CCSs and the general Swiss population. A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was completed by CCSs with a median age of 34 (IQR: 29–40) years. We compared dietary intake of 775 CCSs to two population-based cohorts who completed the same FFQ: 1276 CoLaus and 2529 Bus Santé study participants. CCSs consumed particular inadequate amounts of fiber and excessive amounts of sodium and saturated fat. Dietary intake was similar in CCSs and the general population. The mean AHEI was low with 49.8 in CCSs (men: 47.7, women: 51.9), 52.3 in CoLaus (men: 50.2, women: 54.0), and 53.7 in Bus Santé (men: 51.8, women: 54.4) out of a maximum score of 110. The AHEI scores for fish, fruit, vegetables, and alcohol were worse in CCSs than in the general population, whereas the score for sugar-sweetened beverages was better (all p < 0.001). Diet quality at follow-up did not differ between clinical characteristics of CCSs. Long-term CCSs and the general population have poor dietary intake and quality in Switzerland, which suggests similar population-based interventions for everyone. Full article
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19 pages, 8487 KiB  
Article
Metabolic Response of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer to Folate Restriction
by Michael F. Coleman, Ciara H. O’Flanagan, Alexander J. Pfeil, Xuewen Chen, Jane B. Pearce, Susan Sumner, Sergey A. Krupenko and Stephen D. Hursting
Nutrients 2021, 13(5), 1637; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13051637 - 13 May 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3077
Abstract
Background: Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs), accounting for approximately 15% of breast cancers, lack targeted therapy. A hallmark of cancer is metabolic reprogramming, with one-carbon metabolism essential to many processes altered in tumor cells, including nucleotide biosynthesis and antioxidant defenses. We reported that folate [...] Read more.
Background: Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs), accounting for approximately 15% of breast cancers, lack targeted therapy. A hallmark of cancer is metabolic reprogramming, with one-carbon metabolism essential to many processes altered in tumor cells, including nucleotide biosynthesis and antioxidant defenses. We reported that folate deficiency via folic acid (FA) withdrawal in several TNBC cell lines results in heterogenous effects on cell growth, metabolic reprogramming, and mitochondrial impairment. To elucidate underlying drivers of TNBC sensitivity to folate stress, we characterized in vivo and in vitro responses to FA restriction in two TNBC models differing in metastatic potential and innate mitochondrial dysfunction. Methods: Metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells (high mitochondrial dysfunction) and nonmetastatic M-Wnt cells (low mitochondrial dysfunction) were orthotopically injected into mice fed diets with either 2 ppm FA (control), 0 ppm FA, or 12 ppm FA (supplementation; in MDA-MB-231 only). Tumor growth, metabolomics, and metabolic gene expression were assessed. MDA-MB-231 and M-Wnt cells were also grown in media with 0 or 2.2 µM FA; metabolic alterations were assessed by extracellular flux analysis, flow cytometry, and qPCR. Results: Relative to control, dietary FA restriction decreased MDA-MB-231 tumor weight and volume, while FA supplementation minimally increased MDA-MB-231 tumor weight. Metabolic studies in vivo and in vitro using MDA-MB-231 cells showed FA restriction remodeled one-carbon metabolism, nucleotide biosynthesis, and glucose metabolism. In contrast to findings in the MDA-MB-231 model, FA restriction in the M-Wnt model, relative to control, led to accelerated tumor growth, minimal metabolic changes, and modest mitochondrial dysfunction. Increased mitochondrial dysfunction in M-Wnt cells, induced via chloramphenicol, significantly enhanced responsiveness to the cytotoxic effects of FA restriction. Conclusions: Given the lack of targeted treatment options for TNBC, uncovering metabolic vulnerabilities that can be exploited as therapeutic targets is an important goal. Our findings suggest that a major driver of TNBC sensitivity to folate restriction is a high innate level of mitochondrial dysfunction, which can increase dependence on one-carbon metabolism. Thus, folate deprivation or antifolate therapy for TNBCs with metabolic inflexibility due to their elevated levels of mitochondrial dysfunction may represent a novel precision-medicine strategy. Full article
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10 pages, 258 KiB  
Article
Diet Quality and Risk of Lung Cancer in the Multiethnic Cohort Study
by Song-Yi Park, Carol J. Boushey, Yurii B. Shvetsov, Michael D. Wirth, Nitin Shivappa, James R. Hébert, Christopher A. Haiman, Lynne R. Wilkens and Loïc Le Marchand
Nutrients 2021, 13(5), 1614; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13051614 - 12 May 2021
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3110
Abstract
Diet quality, assessed by the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015), the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010), the alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED) score, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) score, and the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®), was examined in relation to risk [...] Read more.
Diet quality, assessed by the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015), the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010), the alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED) score, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) score, and the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®), was examined in relation to risk of lung cancer in the Multiethnic Cohort Study. The analysis included 179,318 African Americans, Native Hawaiians, Japanese Americans, Latinos, and Whites aged 45–75 years, with 5350 incident lung cancer cases during an average follow-up of 17.5 ± 5.4 years. In multivariable Cox models comprehensively adjusted for cigarette smoking, the hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for the highest vs. lowest quality group based on quintiles were as follows: 0.85 (0.77–0.93) for HEI-2015; 0.84 (0.77–0.92) for AHEI-2010; 0.83 (0.76–0.91) for aMED; 0.83 (0.73–0.91) for DASH; and 0.90 (0.82–0.99) for DII. In histological cell type-specific analyses, the inverse association was stronger for squamous cell carcinoma than for adeno-, small cell, and large cell carcinomas for all indexes. There was no indication of differences in associations by sex, race/ethnicity, and smoking status. These findings support that high-quality diets are associated with lower risk of lung cancer, especially squamous cell carcinomas, in a multiethnic population. Full article
17 pages, 1784 KiB  
Article
Efficacy of Low-Carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet as an Adjuvant Cancer Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
by Ya-Feng Yang, Preety Babychen Mattamel, Tanya Joseph, Jian Huang, Qian Chen, Babatunde O. Akinwunmi, Casper J. P. Zhang and Wai-Kit Ming
Nutrients 2021, 13(5), 1388; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13051388 - 21 Apr 2021
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 7465
Abstract
Background: The role of low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet (LCKD) as an adjuvant therapy in antitumor treatment is not well established. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to investigate the efficacy of LCKD as an adjuvant therapy in antitumor [...] Read more.
Background: The role of low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet (LCKD) as an adjuvant therapy in antitumor treatment is not well established. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to investigate the efficacy of LCKD as an adjuvant therapy in antitumor treatment compared to non-ketogenic diet in terms of lipid profile, body weight, fasting glucose level, insulin, and adverse effects; Methods: In this study, databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, and Cochrane trials were searched. Only RCTs that involved cancer participants that were assigned to dietary interventions including a LCKD group and a control group (any non-ketogenic dietary intervention) were selected. Three reviewers independently extracted the data, and the meta-analysis was performed using a fixed effects model or random effects model depending on the I2 value or p-value; Results: A total of six articles met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. In the overall analysis, the post-intervention results = standard mean difference, SMD (95% CI) showed total cholesterol (TC) level = 0.25 (−0.17, 0.67), HDL-cholesterol = −0.07 (−0.50, 0.35), LDL-cholesterol = 0.21 (−0.21, 0.63), triglyceride (TG) = 0.09 (−0.33, 0.51), body weight (BW) = −0.34 (−1.33, 0.65), fasting blood glucose (FBG) = −0.40 (−1.23, 0.42) and insulin = 0.11 (−1.33, 1.55). There were three outcomes showing significant results in those in LCKD group: the tumor marker PSA, p = 0.03, the achievement of ketosis p = 0.010, and the level of satisfaction, p = 0.005; Conclusions: There was inadequate evidence to support the beneficial effects of LCKDs on antitumor therapy. More trials comparing LCKD and non-KD with a larger sample size are necessary to give a more conclusive result. Full article
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20 pages, 384 KiB  
Article
Gene–Diet Interactions in Colorectal Cancer: Survey Design, Instruments, Participants and Descriptive Data of a Case–Control Study in the Basque Country
by Iker Alegria-Lertxundi, Carmelo Aguirre, Luis Bujanda, Francisco J. Fernández, Francisco Polo, José M. Ordovás, M. Carmen Etxezarraga, Iñaki Zabalza, Mikel Larzabal, Isabel Portillo, Marian M. de Pancorbo, Leire Palencia-Madrid, Koldo Garcia-Etxebarria, Ana M. Rocandio and Marta Arroyo-Izaga
Nutrients 2020, 12(8), 2362; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082362 - 07 Aug 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3728
Abstract
Epidemiologic studies have revealed inconsistent evidence of gene-diet interaction in relation to colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to analyze them in a sample of cases and controls from the population-based bowel cancer screening program of the Osakidetza/Basque Health Service. [...] Read more.
Epidemiologic studies have revealed inconsistent evidence of gene-diet interaction in relation to colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to analyze them in a sample of cases and controls from the population-based bowel cancer screening program of the Osakidetza/Basque Health Service. This study analyzed dietetic, genetic, demographic, socioeconomic factors and lifestyles. In the present manuscript, the survey design, sampling, instruments, measurements and related quality management were presented. Moreover, we analyze differences between cases and controls in some data, especially those related to diet. The participants were 308 cases and 308 age- and sex-matched subjects as controls. Cases were more likely than controls to have overweight/obesity (67.5% vs. 58.1%, p < 0.05), a lower intake of vitamin B2 (0.86 ± 0.23 vs. 0.92 ± 0.23 mg/1000 kcal, p < 0.01) and calcium:phosphorus ratio (0.62 ± 0.12 vs. 0.65 ± 0.13, p < 0.01). A higher proportion of cases than controls did not meet the Nutritional Objectives for saturated fatty acids (85.7% vs. 67.5%, p < 0.001) or cholesterol (35.4% vs. 25.0%, p < 0.01). In conclusion, the present study provides valuable data for analyzing the complexity of gene-diet interaction in relation to CRC. The results presented here suggest that overweight/obesity and a high intake of certain dietary components, especially saturated fatty acids and cholesterol, are more frequent in cases than in controls. Full article

Review

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27 pages, 15137 KiB  
Review
Nutraceuticals and Cancer: Potential for Natural Polyphenols
by Jessica Maiuolo, Micaela Gliozzi, Cristina Carresi, Vincenzo Musolino, Francesca Oppedisano, Federica Scarano, Saverio Nucera, Miriam Scicchitano, Francesca Bosco, Roberta Macri, Stefano Ruga, Antonio Cardamone, Annarita Coppoletta, Annachiara Mollace, Francesco Cognetti and Vincenzo Mollace
Nutrients 2021, 13(11), 3834; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13113834 - 27 Oct 2021
Cited by 59 | Viewed by 8946
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally, associated with multifactorial pathophysiological components. In particular, genetic mutations, infection or inflammation, unhealthy eating habits, exposition to radiation, work stress, and/or intake of toxins have been found to contribute to the development and [...] Read more.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally, associated with multifactorial pathophysiological components. In particular, genetic mutations, infection or inflammation, unhealthy eating habits, exposition to radiation, work stress, and/or intake of toxins have been found to contribute to the development and progression of cancer disease states. Early detection of cancer and proper treatment have been found to enhance the chances of survival and healing, but the side effects of anticancer drugs still produce detrimental responses that counteract the benefits of treatment in terms of hospitalization and survival. Recently, several natural bioactive compounds were found to possess anticancer properties, capable of killing transformed or cancerous cells without being toxic to their normal counterparts. This effect occurs when natural products are associated with conventional treatments, thereby suggesting that nutraceutical supplementation may contribute to successful anticancer therapy. This review aims to discuss the current literature on four natural bioactive extracts mostly characterized by a specific polyphenolic profile. In particular, several activities have been reported to contribute to nutraceutical support in anticancer treatment: (1) inhibition of cell proliferation, (2) antioxidant activity, and (3) anti-inflammatory activity. On the other hand, owing to their attenuation of the toxic effect of current anticancer therapies, natural antioxidants may contribute to improving the compliance of patients undergoing anticancer treatment. Thus, nutraceutical supplementation, along with current anticancer drug treatment, may be considered for better responses and compliance in patients with cancer. It should be noted, however, that when data from studies with bioactive plant preparations are discussed, it is appropriate to ensure that experiments have been conducted in accordance with accepted pharmacological research practices so as not to disclose information that is only partially correct. Full article
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16 pages, 1268 KiB  
Review
Clinical Implications of Malnutrition in the Management of Patients with Pancreatic Cancer: Introducing the Concept of the Nutritional Oncology Board
by Giulia Rovesti, Filippo Valoriani, Margherita Rimini, Camilla Bardasi, Roberto Ballarin, Fabrizio Di Benedetto, Renata Menozzi, Massimo Dominici and Andrea Spallanzani
Nutrients 2021, 13(10), 3522; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13103522 - 07 Oct 2021
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5162
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer represents a very challenging disease, with an increasing incidence and an extremely poor prognosis. Peculiar features of this tumor entity are represented by pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and an early and intense nutritional imbalance, leading to the highly prevalent and multifactorial syndrome [...] Read more.
Pancreatic cancer represents a very challenging disease, with an increasing incidence and an extremely poor prognosis. Peculiar features of this tumor entity are represented by pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and an early and intense nutritional imbalance, leading to the highly prevalent and multifactorial syndrome known as cancer cachexia. Recently, also the concept of sarcopenic obesity has emerged, making the concept of pancreatic cancer malnutrition even more multifaceted and complex. Overall, these nutritional derangements play a pivotal role in contributing to the dismal course of this malignancy. However, their relevance is often underrated and their assessment is rarely applied in clinical daily practice with relevant negative impact for patients’ outcome in neoadjuvant, surgical, and metastatic settings. The proper detection and management of pancreatic cancer-related malnutrition syndromes are of primary importance and deserve a specific and multidisciplinary (clinical nutrition, oncology, etc.) approach to improve survival, but also the quality of life. In this context, the introduction of a “Nutritional Oncology Board” in routine daily practice, aimed at assessing an early systematic screening of patients and at implementing nutritional support from the time of disease diagnosis onward seems to be the right path to take. Full article
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20 pages, 891 KiB  
Review
Systematic Review of Behaviour Change Theories Implementation in Dietary Interventions for People Who Have Survived Cancer
by Jana Sremanakova, Anne Marie Sowerbutts, Chris Todd, Richard Cooke and Sorrel Burden
Nutrients 2021, 13(2), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13020612 - 13 Feb 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3459
Abstract
Background: An increasing number of dietary interventions for cancer survivors have been based on the behaviour change theory framework. The purpose of this study is to review the use and implementation of behaviour change theories in dietary interventions for people after cancer and [...] Read more.
Background: An increasing number of dietary interventions for cancer survivors have been based on the behaviour change theory framework. The purpose of this study is to review the use and implementation of behaviour change theories in dietary interventions for people after cancer and assess their effects on the reported outcomes. Methods: The search strategy from a Cochrane review on dietary interventions for cancer survivors was expanded to incorporate an additional criterion on the use of behaviour change theory and updated to September 2020. Randomised controlled trials (RCT) testing a dietary intervention compared to the control were included. Standard Cochrane methodological procedures were used. Results: Nineteen RCTs, with 6261 participants (age range 44.6 to 73.1 years), were included in the review. The Social Cognitive Theory was the most frequently used theory (15 studies, 79%). Studies included between 4 to 17 behaviour change techniques. Due to limited information on the mediators of intervention and large heterogeneity between studies, no meta-analyses was conducted to assess which theoretical components of the interventions are effective. Conclusions: Whilst researchers have incorporated behaviour change theories into dietary interventions for cancer survivors, due to inconsistencies in design, evaluation and reporting, the effect of theories on survivors’ outcomes remains unclear. Full article
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Other

32 pages, 2837 KiB  
Systematic Review
Effect of the Intake of Isoflavones on Risk Factors of Breast Cancer—A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Intervention Studies
by Luisa Finkeldey, Elena Schmitz and Sabine Ellinger
Nutrients 2021, 13(7), 2309; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13072309 - 05 Jul 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5012
Abstract
Epidemiological studies suggest that high intake of soy isoflavones may protect against breast cancer, but causal relationships can only be established by experimental trials. Thus, we aimed to provide a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of an isoflavone [...] Read more.
Epidemiological studies suggest that high intake of soy isoflavones may protect against breast cancer, but causal relationships can only be established by experimental trials. Thus, we aimed to provide a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of an isoflavone intake on risk factors of breast cancer in healthy subjects. After a systematic literature search in PubMed, 18 different RCTs with pre- and/or postmenopausal women were included and investigated for details according to the PRISMA guideline. In these studies, isoflavones were provided by soy food or supplements in amounts between 36.5–235 mg/d for a period of 1–36 months. Breast density, estrogens including precursors, metabolites, estrogen response such as length of menstrual cycle, and markers of proliferation and inflammation were considered. However, in most studies, differences were not detectable between isoflavone and control/placebo treatment despite a good adherence to isoflavone treatment, irrespective of the kind of intervention, the dose of isoflavones used, and the duration of isoflavone treatment. However, the lack of significant changes in most studies does not prove the lack of effects as a sample size calculation was often missing. Taking into account the risk of bias and methodological limitations, there is little evidence that isoflavone treatment modulates risk factors of breast cancer in pre- and postmenopausal women. Future studies should calculate the sample size to detect possible effects and consider methodological details to improve the study quality. Full article
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