Long-Term Effectiveness of Dietary Interventions on Inflammatory Biomarkers in Women with Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Context: Improving the prognosis of breast cancer remains a challenge despite the reduction in its mortality rates. Inflammatory parameters have been suggested as prognostic biomarkers of cancer. A healthy diet could potentially modify these factors; however, to date, findings have been inconclusive. Objective: This review was conducted to estimate the strength of the association between healthy dietary interventions and inflammatory markers in women with breast cancer after a minimum 6-month follow-up. Data Sources: The following literature databases were searched: MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Data Extraction: Clinical trials that compared the effect of dietary interventions on the inflammatory profile of patients with breast cancer were selected. Quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool. Two researchers independently selected and evaluated the quality of the studies based on eligibility criteria. Data Analysis: Mean differences between intervention groups and their 95% CIs were calculated using a random-effects model. The presence of heterogeneity was analyzed with Cochran’s Q test, and I2 was estimated. Funnel plots and Egger’s test were used to assess publication bias. Results: A total of 11 trials were included in the meta-analysis. Adherence to a healthy diet significantly decreased C-reactive protein (CRP) levels compared with the control group (standard mean difference =–0.17; 95% CI –0.32 to –0.02; I2 = 0.00%). This result was maintained in the interventions focused on weight loss, including only patients with overweight, those incorporating physical activity, when follow-up was restricted to 6 months, and with interventions lasting at least 6 months