# Serum nutrient profile and dietary patterns as predictors of tumor grade and molecular subtype in breast cancer patients

## TL;DR

This study explores how diet and blood nutrient levels relate to breast cancer tumor features and suggests that certain dietary patterns may influence cancer aggressiveness.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific dietary patterns and serum nutrients as predictors of breast cancer tumor grade and subtype.

## Key findings

- Mediterranean-like diets were linked to lower risk of aggressive tumors, while Western diets increased risk.
- Oxidative stress markers increased with higher tumor grades, and antioxidant nutrients decreased.
- Dietary patterns were associated with molecular subtypes like Luminal A and triple-negative breast cancer.

## Abstract

Breast cancer heterogeneity is influenced by tumor grade, molecular subtype, and modifiable lifestyle factors such as diet and nutritional status. Tumor aggressiveness and oxidative stress may be influenced by dietary habits and serum nutritional profiles, according to new research.

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between oxidative stress markers, dietary patterns, serum nutritional profiles, and breast cancer tumor features, such as tumor grade and molecular subtype.

Using validated questionnaires, the tumor grade, molecular subtype, serum nutrients (vitamins, trace elements, lipids, oxidative stress indicators), and food intake of 293 female patients with breast cancer were evaluated in this retrospective analysis. Dietary patterns were found using principal component analysis, and statistical analyses included correlation matrices and logistic regression.

The molecular subtypes of the tumors were Luminal A (38.2%), Luminal B (24.9%), HER2-enriched (21.3%), and triple-negative (15.7%). The tumor grades were Grade I (29.8%), II (45.5%), and III (24.7%). With tumor grade, oxidative stress (MDA) rose and antioxidant nutrients decreased (p < 0.01). Plant-based, Western, Mixed, and Mediterranean-like eating patterns were found. While the Mediterranean-like diet was beneficial (OR = 0.60, p = 0.041), excessive adherence to the Western diet was linked to increased risks of aggressive tumors (OR = 2.30, p = 0.003). Antioxidant nutrients and adherence to the Mediterranean-like diet were shown to be favorably correlated; MDA was positively correlated with the Western pattern.

Antioxidant-rich Mediterranean-like dietary pattern showed inverse association with aggressive tumor features, suggesting potential protective biological relationship while Western dietary pattern was positively associated with oxidative stress and lower circulating antioxidant nutrients. Personalized nutrition methods to improve breast cancer prognosis may be informed by the integration of dietary and biochemical assessment.