[Experience with the use of a low-calorie diet in breast cancer patients to prevent metastasis]

Abstract

The paper discusses results of three-year follow-up of breast cancer patients keeping to a low-calorie diet after radical mastectomy and chemotherapy. The diet was planned according to age, energy expenditures and body weight and was aimed at a 15% decrease in the total caloricity as compared to corresponding individually-tailored norms for healthy people. This was achieved by reduction in fat (by 30%) and carbohydrates (by 9%). To assure the diet on the domiciliary basis, patients were provided with a table of nutrients for all food products available. Regular examination failed to show any adverse effects of the dietary restrictions on the general status of patients. However, an inhibiting effect of the diet on progression of disease was established, with recurrence being registered in 25% of controls (in 13 out of 52 patients) and only 7% of the study group (in 4 out of 56 cases).