Calorie restriction improves chemotherapy effectiveness

According to the results, calorie reduction, either alone or in combination with chemotherapy drugs such as doxorubicin, significantly reduced tumor weight and volume, slowed its growth, and at the same time helped protect healthy cells from the side effects of treatment. Scientists also found that calorie restriction not only enhances the effects of chemotherapy, but also helps repair DNA damage in healthy tissue caused by treatment. In addition, this measure “reconfigures” lipid metabolism: it reduces the level of cholesterol and triglycerides – substances that serve as a source of nutrition for malignant cells.

Cancer cells are particularly dependent on constant turnover of fatty acids for energy production, growth and signal transduction. Similar mechanisms are involved in other chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to a balanced diet and moderate calorie reduction, researchers emphasize the importance of regular physical activity, which also has a positive effect on the course of cancer treatment.