Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: T-cell function and promoting immunosuppressive cell populations including regulatory T cells, tumor-associated macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Although immune checkpoint blockade and adoptive T-cell therapy have advanced cancer treatment, their clinical efficacy remains limited by therapeutic resistance, heterogenous responses, and treatment-related toxicities. Dietary factors have emerged as potential modulators of antitumor immunity through their effects on immune cell metabolism, inflammatory signaling, and the gut microbiota. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms underlying immunosuppression within the TIME and discuss how macronutrients, micronutrients, food-derived bioactive compounds, and dietary patterns regulate immune cell function and antitumor immune responses. We further highlight the potential of dietary modulation to improve immunotherapy outcomes while critically evaluating current preclinical and clinical evidence. Finally, we discuss the challenges associated with translating these findings into clinical practice, including bioavailability, context-dependent effects, and the need for well-designed clinical trials. A better understanding of diet-mediated immune regulation may provide new opportunities for developing complementary strategies to enhance cancer immunotherapy.
Source: Journal of Cancer Prevention
DOI: 10.15430/jcp.26.050
Authors: Xiancai Zhong, Hongmin Wu, Hye-Kyung Na
Institutions: Beckman Research Institute, Sungshin Women's University
Language: English
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7225260205