Mediterranean diet helps cancer immunotherapy

Scientists are hopeful that cancer patients on immunotherapy will show a better response if they also follow a Mediterranean diet. — AFP

A Mediterranean diet, containing mono-and polyunsaturated fats from olive oil, nuts and fish, polyphenols and fibre from vegetables, fruit, and wholegrains, was significantly associated with an improved response to immunotherapy drugs called immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

ICIs, which have been highly successful in treating the skin cancer melanoma, work by blocking immune system checkpoints, which then force the body’s own immune T-cells to attack cancers.