Abstract
This scoping review examines the interaction of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and genetic variants of various types of cancers. A comprehensive search was performed to identify controlled and observational studies conducted through August 2017. Eighteen unique studies were included: breast cancer (n = 2), gastric cancer (n = 1), exocrine pancreatic cancer (n = 1), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (n = 1), prostate cancer (n = 7) and colorectal cancer (n = 6). An additional 13 studies that focused on fish intake or at-risk populations were summarized to increase readers’ understanding of the topic based on this review, DHA and EPA interact with certain genetic variants to decrease breast, colorectal and prostate cancer risk, although data was limited and identified polymorphisms were heterogeneous. The evidence to date demonstrates that omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) may decrease cancer risk by affecting genetic variants of inflammatory pathways, oxidative stress and tumor apoptosis. Collectively, data supports the notion that once a genetic variant is identified, the benefits of a targeted, personalized therapeutic regimen that includes DHA and/or EPA should be considered.
Highlights
If not reported in the full text, authors of these studies were contacted; contacted authors either did not respond or replied that these levels were not measured. During this process, recognizing the limited data available for preformed docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), the authors elected to summarize and include in the evidence map, studies reporting only fish intake since fish is the primary source of EPA and DHA
The current scoping review suggests that human research regarding the interaction between genetic variants, dietary n-3 LC-PUFA or tissue status, and cancer risk and/or treatment is at an inaugural stage
As BReast CAncer susceptibility gene (BRCA) status is commonly related to tumor estrogen receptor (ER) status [57], we examined four studies that considered the role of dietary [22,23,24,25] or tissue [22] n-3 LC-PUFA and ER status, and two that considered the role of fish intake and tumor hormone status [21,24]
Summary
The leading types of cancer among men are lung, prostate and stomach cancers that represent 14.5%, 13.5% and 7.2% of all new cases, respectively. While considerable progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of many cancers, standard treatments cause apoptosis of the cancer cells, and surrounding healthy cells and tissues. This leads to weakened and dysfunctional tissue, and contributes to adverse events, such as fatigue, nausea, muscle loss, diarrhea or constipation. Such side effects can be severe and lead to dose reductions or the discontinuation of the drug treatment. More tailored, personalized medicine and nutritional approaches based on genetics, drug responsiveness, and immune function, along with an optimal diet are being advanced as therapies for cancer treatment
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