Nutrition as a Therapeutic Modulator in Cancer: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Outcomes

In cancer research, the exploration of nutrition as a therapeutic modulator is gaining increasing interest, extending beyond its traditional role as supportive care. Current evidence suggests that specific dietary patterns, nutrients, bioactive compounds, and functional foods can directly influence molecular and cellular processes related to cancer initiation, progression, therapeutic response, and survivorship. Despite this, critical knowledge gaps remain regarding the mechanisms involved, the effectiveness of various dietary interventions, and the contextual and social factors that shape nutritional impact. Ongoing research, including molecular studies in tumor biology, investigations into the tumor microenvironment, and population-based assessments of diet-related cancer risks, has highlighted both promising therapeutic avenues and persistent challenges. However, robust translational and clinical research is still needed to integrate mechanistic findings with real-world patient outcomes and to address disparities stemming from social determinants of health.This Research Topic aims to foster a multidisciplinary understanding of how nutrition may actively modulate cancer development and therapy. It seeks to answer key questions such as: How do dietary components and patterns alter oncogenic signaling, inflammation, oxidative stress, immunological responses, as well as a composition and function of gut microbiota and its derived metabolites? Which nutrients or food-based strategies demonstrate efficacy across distinct cancer types and treatment regimens? What roles do functional and traditional foods play in cancer prevention and patient management, particularly in diverse cultural settings? By combining molecular, clinical, and social science perspectives, the goal is to deepen insights into precision nutrition strategies tailored for oncological care and improved patient quality of life.The scope of this Research Topic encompasses mechanistic, translational, and clinical studies examining nutrition’s impact on cancer, yet does not extend to unrelated chronic diseases. It excludes non-nutritional therapeutic interventions and interventions outside the sphere of diet and food compounds. To gather further insights within these boundaries, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o Molecular and cellular mechanisms linking nutrition with tumor biologyo Dietary patterns, nutrient intake, and bioactive compounds as cancer modulatorso Nutritional strategies during chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapyo Malnutrition, cachexia, and nutritional assessment tools in cancer patientso Impact of social and contextual determinants on dietary interventions and accessibilityo Role of traditional and functional foods in specific populations, such as those in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico.o Biomarker discovery and metabolomic profiling related to diet-cancer interactionso Systematic reviews, population studies, and clinical trials on nutrition and cancer prevention or managementThis Research Topic welcomes original research articles, reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical trials, case reports, short communications, perspectives, opinion pieces, methodology papers, and protocols. Topic editors: Roberto Lugo, Azalia Avila-Nava, Ana Ligia Gutiérrez-Solis, Mayra Luz Vera-Aviles, Isabel Medina-Vera Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79610/nutrition-as-a-therapeutic-modulator-in-cancer-from-molecular-mechanisms-to-clinical-outcomes