(P05-051-20) Case Study, Plant-Based Diet and Igf-1 Modulation in Her2-positive Breast Cancer

Objectives: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women worldwide and is therefore a field of research that has gained particular relevance.

Stimulation of insulin-like factor-1 (IGF-1) would increase breast cancer risk and promote relapse. Here we present a case study of a woman with HER2-positive breast cancer that, after chemotherapy and radiotherapy, followed a Healthful Predominantly Plant-based Diet. This work aimed to investigate IGF-1 plasma levels modulation through this eating pattern.

Methods: For 210 days, diet was based on regular consumption of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, legumes, and olive oil as a source of monounsaturated fat, while reducing intake of less healthy plant foods as well as other animal foods. Blood markers including IGF-1, Glycemia, Total Cholesterol, and also Body Mass Index were assessed at baseline and after 210 days.

Results: At baseline IGF-1 was 21 nmol/L and decreased to 16.3 nmol/L, Glycemia was 80 mg/dL and increased to 85 mg/dL, Total Cholesterol was 155 mg/dL and increased to 161 mg/dL, and BMI was 21.7 kg/m2 decreased to 20.6 kg/m2, after 210 days. A decrease of 22.4 percent in IGF-1 and an increase of 6.3 percent in Glycemia were noted in plasma levels of this 49 years old woman.

Conclusions: Predominantly Healthful Plant-based Diet seems to modulate IGF-1 and Glycemia plasma levels in a woman diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer. Future research should explore mechanistic pathways through which plant-based diets may confirm these results on IGF-1 levels and to clear whether a Predominantly Healthful Plant-Based Diet might be clinically useful in HER2-positive breast cancer.

Funding Sources: No funding sources