A collaborative scientific investigation between researchers in Portugal and Brazil has identified promising evidence that controlled caloric restriction may improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy in patients with sarcomas, a rare category of cancer. The findings, released in connection with World Cancer Day on 4 February, highlight how dietary interventions may complement conventional oncology treatments while potentially minimising adverse effects.
The research, conducted by the RISE Health Research Unit in Portugal in partnership with the Federal University of Piauí in Brazil, examined how reduced calorie intake influences tumour behaviour and treatment response. According to the study, moderate energy restriction, either alone or combined with chemotherapy drugs such as doxorubicin, significantly decreased tumour mass and volume in experimental models. At the same time, researchers observed protective effects on non-cancerous cells exposed to chemotherapy.
Metabolic Stress and Tumour Suppression
The investigation, published in the peer-reviewed journal Cancers, revealed that a reduction of approximately 40% in caloric intake created metabolic stress within the tumour microenvironment. This stress interfered with biological processes necessary for tumour development, particularly those associated with cellular growth and proliferation.
The study, led in Portugal by researcher Moisés Tolentino Bento da Silva, was conducted using animal models to explore how short-term dietary restriction influences cancer progression. The findings suggest that lowering the energy supply available to tumour cells may restrict their capacity to grow, thereby increasing the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs.
Scientific literature supports the link between metabolic regulation and cancer progression. Research published in journals such as Nature Reviews Cancer has demonstrated that cancer cells often rely on altered metabolic pathways to sustain rapid growth. Restricting nutrient availability can therefore disrupt these pathways, potentially improving treatment response, a mechanism consistent with the findings reported in the joint research conducted in Portugal and Brazil.
Potential Protection of Healthy Tissue
Beyond tumour reduction, researchers from Portugal and Brazil observed that caloric restriction may help reduce chemotherapy-induced damage in healthy tissues. The study indicated that dietary restriction could enhance DNA repair processes in non-cancerous cells, potentially lowering the harmful side effects commonly associated with chemotherapy treatments.
Additionally, the research highlighted metabolic changes linked to improved lipid regulation. Caloric restriction was associated with reduced cholesterol and triglyceride levels, both of which are considered important energy sources for certain malignant cells. These metabolic changes may not only influence cancer progression but could also have broader implications for chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disorders and neurodegenerative conditions.
Previous epidemiological studies have also suggested that metabolic health plays a significant role in cancer risk and treatment outcomes. Evidence from international health organisations indicates that maintaining balanced metabolic function can contribute to improved resilience during cancer therapy, reinforcing the relevance of the findings emerging from this Portuguese-Brazilian research collaboration.
Exercise and Nutrition as Complementary Therapies
Researchers involved in the study in Portugal and Brazil emphasised that caloric restriction should be considered alongside other lifestyle interventions, particularly regular physical activity. The investigators noted that oncology patients who engage in appropriate exercise programmes during chemotherapy often experience fewer adverse effects, including reduced gastrointestinal complications.
Clinical studies published in oncology and rehabilitation journals have consistently shown that structured physical activity can improve functional capacity, reduce fatigue and enhance overall quality of life for cancer patients. The research teams in Portugal and Brazil stress that combining balanced nutrition with supervised exercise may provide significant supportive benefits throughout the cancer treatment process, including during recovery and survivorship phases.
Implications for Future Cancer Treatment Strategies
While the findings from the study conducted in Portugal and Brazil are considered promising, researchers caution that further clinical trials involving human participants are necessary before caloric restriction can be widely incorporated into oncology treatment protocols. Experimental studies using animal models provide essential preliminary data, but clinical validation remains crucial to confirm safety and effectiveness in diverse patient populations.
World Cancer Day, promoted globally by the Union for International Cancer Control, underscores the importance of prevention, early diagnosis and access to effective therapies. The research partnership between Portugal and Brazil contributes to this global objective by exploring innovative strategies that may enhance treatment efficacy while improving patient wellbeing.
As cancer continues to represent a major public health challenge worldwide, integrating nutritional science with oncology treatment may offer new opportunities for improving therapeutic outcomes. The emerging evidence from this joint investigation in Portugal and Brazil reinforces the growing recognition that lifestyle factors, including diet and exercise, may play a critical role in supporting conventional cancer therapies and improving patient prognosis.