Cellular reprogramming, chemoresistance, and dietary interventions in breast cancer

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) diagnosis has been associated with significant risk factors, including family history, late menopause, obesity, poor eating habits, and alcoholism. Despite the advances in the last decades regarding cancer treatment, some obstacles still hinder the effectiveness of therapy. For example, chemotherapy resistance is common in locally advanced or metastatic cancer, reducing treatment options and contributing to mortality. In this review, we provide an overview of BC metabolic changes, including the impact of restrictive diets associated with chemoresistance, the therapeutic potential of the diet on tumor progression, pathways related to metabolic health in oncology, and perspectives on the future in the area of oncological nutrition.

Keywords: Breast neoplasm; Caloric restriction; Chemotherapy; Drug resistance; Fasting.