Advanced Search
Article Contents
ABOUT THIS ARTICLE
The Innovation Nutrition > 2026 Vol. 1 > No. 3 > 100040
Next Article Previous Article
PERSPECTIVE   Open Access     Cite

Targeting the hallmarks of cancer: A nutritional epigenetics framework for prevention and intervention

  • 1.

    Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China

  • 2.

    Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China

  • 3.

    State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China

  • 4.

    Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China

  • 5.

    These authors contributed equally

More Information
  • Corresponding author: huangtao@sinh.ac.cn
  • Received Date:  July 13, 2026
    Accepted Date:  September 24, 2026
    Published Online:  October 05, 2026
The Innovation Nutrition  1(3),  https://doi.org/10.59717/j.xinn-nutri.2026.100040  |  Cite this article
    ABSTRACT
  • Nearly 38% of cancer cases worldwide are attributable to modifiable risk factors. Emerging evidences suggest that nutrient-sensitive regulatory networks serve as molecular intermediaries connecting the exposome to cancer hallmark acquisition. Epigenetic plasticity positions diet as a modifiable determinant of cancer susceptibility, with phytochemicals, caloric restriction, and microbiome-derived metabolites modulating chromatin-modifying enzymes. However, context-dependent dual effects complicate nutritional intervention. We propose an integrative framework unifying modifiable risk factors, epigenetic regulation, and nutritional interventions within the Hallmarks of cancer paradigm, repositioning nutrition as an upstream determinant of hallmark acquisition rather than an adjunctive consideration. This framework supports precision nutrition strategies in cancer prevention, though challenges in biomarker validation, accessibility, and patient adherence remain.
    • FullText(HTML)
  • 加载中
    • REFERENCES
  • [1] Hanahan D. (2022). Hallmarks of cancer: New dimensions. Cancer Discov. 12:31−46. DOI:10.1158/2159-8290.CD-21-1059

    View in Article CrossRef Google Scholar

    [2] Fink H., Langselius O., Vignat J., et al. (2026). Global and regional cancer burden attributable to modifiable risk factors to inform prevention. Nat. Med. 32:1306−1315. DOI:10.1038/s41591-026-04219-7

    View in Article CrossRef Google Scholar

    [3] Maas S. C. E., Baraibar I., Lemler L., et al. (2026). Epigenetic fingerprints link early-onset colon and rectal cancer to pesticide exposure. Nat. Med. 32:1827−1837. DOI:10.1038/s41591-026-04342-5

    View in Article CrossRef Google Scholar

    [4] Barrero M. J., Cejas P., Long H. W., et al. (2022). Nutritional epigenetics in cancer. Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) 13:1748−1761. DOI:10.1093/advances/nmac039

    View in Article CrossRef Google Scholar

    [5] Harre P., Hohenberger K., Krammer S., et al. (2025). Dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) reduce cholesterol-driven non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression in mouse models of disease. Commun Med. 5:432. DOI:10.1038/s43856-025-01193-y

    View in Article CrossRef Google Scholar

    [6] Ngo B., Van Riper J. M., Cantley L. C., et al. (2019). Targeting cancer vulnerabilities with high-dose vitamin C. Nat. Rev. Cancer 19:271−282. DOI:10.1038/s41568-019-0135-7

    View in Article CrossRef Google Scholar

    [7] Omenn G. S., Goodman G., Thornquist M., et al. (1994). The beta-carotene and retinol efficacy trial (CARET) for chemoprevention of lung cancer in high risk populations: Smokers and asbestos-exposed workers. Cancer Res. 54:2038s−2043s.

    View in Article Google Scholar

    [8] Klein E. A., Thompson I. M., Jr., Tangen C. M., et al. (2011). Vitamin E and the risk of prostate cancer: the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT). JAMA 306:1549−1556. DOI:10.1001/jama.2011.1437

    View in Article CrossRef Google Scholar

    • Cited by

  • Cite this article:

    Gu C., Shi X., Xing B., et al. (2026). Targeting the hallmarks of cancer: A nutritional epigenetics framework for prevention and intervention. The Innovation Nutrition 1:100040. https://doi.org/10.59717/j.xinn-nutri.2026.100040
    Gu C., Shi X., Xing B., et al. (2026). Targeting the hallmarks of cancer: A nutritional epigenetics framework for prevention and intervention. The Innovation Nutrition 1:100040. https://doi.org/10.59717/j.xinn-nutri.2026.100040

Welcome!

To request copyright permission to republish or share portions of our works, please visit Copyright Clearance Center's (CCC) Marketplace website at marketplace.copyright.com.

PDF
Figures(1)    

Share

  • Share the QR code with wechat scanning code to friends and circle of friends.

Article Metrics

Article views(396) PDF downloads(131)

Relative Articles

Cited by

Catalog

    /

    DownLoad:  Full-Size Img  PowerPoint
    Return

    {{newsColumn.name}}

    {{newsColumn.name}}

    Stay connected

    {{newsColumn.name}}

    Published articles are licensed under CC BY with copyright retained by the authors.
    All contents on this site: Copyright © 2026 INNOVATION PRESS. All rights are reserved.