Inhibition effect of dietary inulin and oligofructose on the growth of transplantable mouse tumor

Background: The influence of 15% inulin or oligofructose incorporated in to the basal diet on the growth of transplantable mouse tumor (TLT) was inves tigated Material and methods: This dietary treatment was performed starting at day 7 before tumor transplantation and continued until the end of obser vation. The results were evaluated by the mortality rates in the ascitic fo rm of tumor, or by twice weekly solid tumor measurements, with vernier cali per. Mortality rates in ascitic tumors and mean solid tumor surface in thes e experimental groups was compared with those of animals from control group s fed basal diet without supplementary beta (2-1) fructans. Results: The gr owth of both forms of transplantable mouse tumors was significantly inhibit ed by the supplementation of the diet with inulin or oligofructose. Conclus ion: Such a nontoxic dietary treatment appears to be easily used ad without any risk for patients, and is applicable as an adjuvant factor to classica l protocols of human cancer therapy.