According to the National Cancer Institute, diet is an important, although not entirely well-studied, aspect of cancer prevention and treatment. Malignant mesothelioma is a relatively rare cancer that affects the mesothelium -- a layer of cells that produces a lubricating fluid that allow organs to move and function properly. Although mesothelium covers all organ systems, the majority of malignant mesothelioma only occurs in tissue surrounding the lung and is caused by asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is treated with radiation, chemotherapy and surgery, with variable success. New treatment options, including dietary, are currently being researched.
Carrots and Tomatoes
In the May 1996 issue of "British Journal of Cancer," Dr. JE Muscat discusses the results of a standardized questionnaire about the lifestyle and dietary habits of patients with malignant mesothelioma. Dr. Muscat found that a significant decrease in mesothelioma risk was correlated with carrot and tomato ingestion. Carrots and tomatoes are high in beta carotene and lycopene, respectively, two important antioxidant molecules. Although the data are anecdotal and only describe a possible correlation, they do indicate that higher ingestion of these two vegetables may help against malignant mesothelioma progression.
Dietary Acrylamide
Dietary acrylamide is a potent carcinogen found in starchy foods such as french fries and potato chips. Although the data is limited, dietary acryramide may also affect mesothelioma. The results of an animal study in the July 2010 issue of "Critical Reviews in Toxicology" showed that dietary acrylamide increases the risk of experimentally induced mesothelioma in rats. Although these animal studies may not necessarily correlate with humans, the health effects of dietary acrylamide in mesothelioma and other disorders need further research.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a popular dietary supplement and is a potent antioxidant with many noted health effects. One of the most effective forms of vitamin E, according to Dr. Kedar N. Prasad in the April 2003 issue of the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition," is the compound known as alpha-tocopheryl succinate. In a study published in the July 2005 issue of the "Journal of Biological Chemistry," Dr. Michael Stapelberg found that alpha-tocopheryl succinate significantly blocked growth of human malignant mesothelioma cell lines. This occurred, in part, by the ability of alpha-tocopheryl succinate to block fibroblast growth factor-1, an important protein that regulates cellular growth.
Limited Dietary Research
According to the National Cancer Institute, only 2,000 newly diagnosed malignant mesothelioma cases occur each year in the United States. Research into this disease is not nearly as extensive as research of other malignancies. Although a few studies have indicated that diet might play a role in regards to malignant mesothelioma progression, the data does not yet fully support these findings. Do not choose untested dietary interventions rather than other treatment options before first consulting your doctor.
References
- National Cancer Institute: Risk Factors -- Diet and Cancer Risk
- National Cancer Institute: Mesothelioma
- "British Journal of Cancer"; Dietary Intake and the Risk of Malignant Mesothelioma; JE Muscat, et al.; May 1996
- "Critical Reviews in Toxicology"; The Carcinogenicity of Dietary Acrylamide Intake: A Comparative Discussion of Epidemiological and Experimental Animal Research; Janneke G. F. Hogervorst, et al.; July 2010
- "Journal of the American College of Nutrition"; Alpha-Tocopheryl Succinate, the Most Effective Form of Vitamin E for Adjuvant Cancer Treatment: A Review; Kedar N. Prasad, et al.; April 2003
- "Journal of Biological Chemistry"; α-Tocopheryl Succinate Inhibits Malignant Mesothelioma by Disrupting the Fibroblast Growth Factor Autocrine Loop Mechanism and the Role of Oxidative Stress; Michael Stapelberg, et al.; July 2005
