Anti-Inflammatory Diet May Boost Survival in Stage III Colon Cancer Patients

Recent research from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute highlights the potential impact of dietary patterns on outcomes for patients with stage III colon cancer. In a Phase III clinical trial, individuals who adhered to an anti-inflammatory diet after treatment exhibited longer overall survival compared to those consuming a proinflammatory diet. This diet typically includes foods like vegetables, leafy greens, coffee, and tea, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Conversely, proinflammatory diets often contain high levels of red and processed meats, refined grains, and sugar-sweetened beverages.

The study, presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, also emphasized the role of physical activity. Patients engaging in higher levels of weekly physical activity, such as walking regularly for an hour at a moderate pace, demonstrated significantly better survival outcomes. Importantly, the benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet persisted regardless of whether patients took celecoxib, an anti-inflammatory medication, suggesting that diet itself may play a crucial role in improving prognosis.

The trial involved 2,526 enrolled patients, with 1,625 completing detailed dietary and lifestyle questionnaires. Researchers calculated dietary inflammatory scores based on food intake, discovering that patients with the most proinflammatory diets faced an 87% higher risk of death than those with the least inflammatory diets. This aligns with previous findings linking systemic inflammation to colon cancer progression.

Dr. Sara Char, the study’s lead author, explained that these findings add to the growing evidence that diet and lifestyle modifications could be vital in post-treatment care. The research also points to the need for personalized dietary guidance and further exploration of biological mechanisms behind diet’s impact on cancer survival.

Overall, combining an anti-inflammatory diet with increased physical activity could significantly lower the risk of mortality in stage III colon cancer patients. The study opens the door for tailored lifestyle interventions aimed at improving long-term outcomes in colon cancer management.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-anti-inflammatory-diet-survival-treatment.html