Résumé:
Breast cancer represents a major public health issue, highlighting the need to explore complementary strategies to conventional treatments. Our randomized clinical trial RCT, conducted at the Medical Oncology Department of Mostaganem, evaluated the impact of a specific diet rich in turmeric, star anise, cloves, milk and dates on the hematological parameters of 24 patients with breast cancer aged 30 and over 60 years. Divided into two groups: 12 experimental group consuming these specific foods and 12 control group following their diet. The main objective was to explore the anti-cancer and immuno-modulatory potential of these foods. Complete hematological assessments were analyzed before, during and after chemotherapy. The results revealed that the most affected age group was 40-49 years old, representing 42% of cases and controls. A majority of patients (60%) were underweighted or normal. More controls (67%) breastfed compared to cases (50%). More women were postmenopausal in the case group (67%) than in the control group (58%). History of diabetes and high blood pressure were more common among cases. Before chemotherapy, no significant differences were observed in hematological parameters between the two groups, except for greater platelet variability. In fact, the median platelet count after the first chemotherapy session in the experimental group was 250 compared to 200 in the control group. This situation continued after the second session, with platelet counts around 300 in the experimental group and greater variability in the control group. Although other blood parameters did not show major differences, a slight increase in lymphocytes was observed in the experimental group, suggesting a potential effect on the immune response. These promising results are consistent with previous studies highlighting the anticancer and antioxidant properties of these foods. However, additional studies with long-term follow-up and larger numbers are necessary to confirm these observations and deepen the understanding of the mechanisms involved.