Skip to main navigation Skip to search Skip to main content

Precision nutrition in breast cancer: Towards patient- and tumour-informed dietary strategies

  • Cristina Crespo-García
  • , Dennis R. Taaffe
  • , Carolyn J. Peddle-McIntyre
  • , Emily Jeffery
  • , John P. Campbell
  • , Robert Thomas
  • , Daniel A. Galvao
  • , Robert U. Newton
  • Edith Cowan University
  • Curtin University
  • Addenbrooke's and Bedfordshire Cambridge University Hospitals
  • University of Bedfordshire
  • University College London
  • University of Queensland

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Dietary strategies are increasingly recognized as important modulators of breast cancer outcomes, acting through effects on metabolic regulation, weight management, hormone signalling, immune function, and the gut microbiome. However, breast cancer heterogeneity and inter-individual variability mean that generic dietary guidelines may not fully capture patient needs. Precision nutrition offers the opportunity to align dietary interventions with tumour subtype, treatment context, and host biology, potentially enhancing therapeutic response and survivorship in patients diagnosed with breast cancer. In this narrative review, we summarize evidence on dietary patterns and prognosis, and explore how targeted interventions, including fasting regimens, ketogenic diets, and caloric restriction, may be informed by and targeted to host factors such as obesity, metabolic dysfunction, genetics and epigenetics, and microbiome composition, as well as tumour and treatment characteristics. We also discuss the emerging role of digital tools and multi-omics approaches to support personalization. While clinical translation is at an early stage, refining dietary recommendations through precision approaches may open new opportunities to improve prognosis and long-term care in breast cancer.

Original languageEnglish
Article number106670
Number of pages18
JournalClinical Nutrition
Volume61
Early online date22 Apr 2026
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Jun 2026

Data Availability Statement

Not applicable.

Acknowledgements

During the preparation of this work the author used Microsoft 365 Copilot in order to improve readability and language. After using this tool, the author reviewed and edited the content as needed and takes full responsibility for the content of the
publication.

Funding

No funding was received to assist with the preparation of this manuscript.

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Keywords

  • Artificial intelligence
  • Dietary restriction
  • Immune system
  • Interindividual variability
  • Microbiome
  • Prognosis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Precision nutrition in breast cancer: Towards patient- and tumour-informed dietary strategies'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this