Cancer Management and Research

Advances in Dietary and Metabolic Interventions for Cancer Care

Dietary and metabolic interventions are increasingly recognized as important adjuncts in the management of cancer. Recent research has demonstrated that approaches such as ketogenic diets, Mediterranean Diets, fasting protocols, and whole-foods dietary patterns can influence cancer biology, treatment outcomes, and patient well-being. These strategies are not only relevant for symptom management but also for addressing metabolic vulnerabilities inherent in malignancy. This Article Collection seeks to showcase innovative research and clinical insights into the role of dietary and metabolic therapies in oncology. By bringing together contributions from clinical trials, translational research, and integrative care, the Collection aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how nutrition and metabolic modulation can be incorporated into cancer treatment and survivorship.

As cancer incidence rises globally, there is an urgent need for supportive interventions that improve quality of life, enhance treatment tolerability, and potentially impact disease progression. Dietary and metabolic approaches offer accessible, patient-centered options that may address the limitations of conventional therapies. However, gaps remain in understanding optimal protocols, patient selection, and mechanisms of action. This Collection is timely, offering a platform for researchers and clinicians to share evidence, address controversies, and highlight areas for future investigation. By synthesizing data from diverse methodologies and cancer types, this Collection will inform practice, guide policy, and inspire collaborative research in nutritional and metabolic oncology.

Relevant topics include ketogenic and low-carbohydrate dietary therapy, fasting and time-restricted eating protocols, Mediterranean and whole-foods diets, nutritional support during chemotherapy and radiation, metabolic modulation in genitourinary and other cancers, and behavioural or psychosocial aspects of dietary adherence. Manuscripts exploring mechanistic studies, patient-reported outcomes, implementation strategies, and integrative models of care are also encouraged. Contributions addressing dietary and metabolic approaches in cancer supportive care (including symptom management, mitigation of treatment-related adverse effects, and enhancement of functional status) are welcome. Additionally, papers focusing on nutritional and metabolic interventions in cancer survivorship, including long-term health outcomes, recurrence prevention, and quality of life, are invited. All article types accepted by Cancer Management and Research are welcome, with the aim of advancing evidence-based, integrative approaches to cancer management.

Dr. Shari M. Youngblood, DCN, CNS, LDN, CCMS is an Associate Professor of Nutrition and Certified Culinary Medicine Specialist at Saybrook University, Pasadena, CA, United States. Her clinical and research work centers on hematology and oncology, with a particular focus on food-as-medicine interventions for patients undergoing cancer treatment. Dr. Youngblood has served as a Nutrition Research Coordinator and Clinical Research Nutritionist on multiple NIH-funded oncology trials at the University of Maryland Baltimore, and has published in Nutrition and Cancer, Supportive Care in Cancer, European Journal of Cancer Care, and JMIR Research Protocols, among others. She integrates functional and clinical nutrition approaches in both research and practice to improve treatment tolerance, reduce side effects, and enhance quality of life for individuals with cancer.