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. 2022 Dec;11(4):695-716.
doi: 10.1007/s13668-022-00440-1. Epub 2022 Sep 23.

Plant-Based Diets and Cancer Prognosis: a Review of Recent Research

Luisa Hardt  1 , Yahya Mahamat-Saleh  2 , Dagfinn Aune  3   4   5 , Sabrina Schlesinger  6
Affiliations

Plant-Based Diets and Cancer Prognosis: a Review of Recent Research

Luisa Hardt et al. Curr Nutr Rep. 2022 Dec.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Although plant-based diets are recommended for cancer prevention, their role in cancer survival is still uncertain. The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize the association between postdiagnosis plant-based diets and prognosis in cancer survivors.

Recent findings: There is indication that higher intake of plant-based foods was associated with improved prognosis in cancer survivors. For colorectal cancer survival, a better prognosis was observed for a high intake of whole grains and fibre. For breast cancer survival, a higher intake of fruit, vegetable and fibre and a moderate intake of soy/isoflavone were associated with beneficial outcomes. A higher vegetable fat intake was related to improved prognosis in prostate cancer survivors. Emerging evidence suggests benefits of postdiagnosis plant-based diets on prognosis in cancer survivors. However, given the high heterogeneity between studies, further research in cancer survivors, considering clinical factors (e.g. treatment, stage) and methodological aspects (e.g. timing of dietary assessment), is needed.

Keywords: Cancer prognosis; Cancer survival; Nuts; Plant-based diets; Vegetable; Whole grain.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Adapted flow-chart of the study selection process according to PRISMA 2020 statement [44]
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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