What foods can help boost Interleukin-15 (IL-15) in an adult patient with a history of bladder cancer?

Foods That Boost IL-15

There is no established evidence that specific foods can boost Interleukin-15 (IL-15) levels in humans, and current cancer nutrition guidelines do not address IL-15 modulation through diet. Instead, focus on evidence-based dietary strategies that improve outcomes in bladder cancer survivors through proven mechanisms.

Evidence-Based Nutritional Recommendations for Bladder Cancer Survivors

Core Dietary Pattern

The available guidelines and research do not identify foods that specifically increase IL-15 production. However, for bladder cancer survivors, the following evidence-based recommendations should guide nutritional choices:

Plant-Based Foods:

• Consume at least 5 servings daily of varied vegetables and fruits to reduce cancer recurrence risk and improve overall survival 1.
• Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts) show the strongest protective association for bladder cancer, with a 51% risk reduction in the highest consumption category 2.
• Green leafy vegetables demonstrate a modest protective effect with each 0.2 serving increment daily (RR 0.98) 3.

Whole Grains and Fiber:

• Choose whole grain rice, bread, pasta, and cereals over refined carbohydrates as they contain folate, vitamin E, selenium, and fiber that may protect against cancer progression 1, 4.

Protein Sources:

• Select lean proteins including fish, poultry, eggs, low-fat dairy, nuts, seeds, and legumes while limiting red and processed meats 1.
• Adequate protein intake of 0.8-1.5 g/kg body weight daily is essential during cancer recovery 1, 5.

Macronutrient Distribution

• Fat: 20-35% of total energy, emphasizing omega-3 fatty acids from fish and walnuts, which improve cardiovascular outcomes and overall mortality 1.
• Carbohydrates: 45-65% of energy from nutrient-dense sources like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes 1.
• Protein: 10-35% of energy or at least 0.8 g/kg body weight 1.

Weight Management

• Maintain a healthy body weight as obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m²) is associated with increased bladder cancer recurrence and progression 1.
• Sarcopenia (muscle loss) measured by CT imaging predicts worse outcomes (HR 1.67 for all-cause mortality), making adequate protein and physical activity crucial 1.

Hydration

• Drink at least 8 cups of fluid daily, as increased fluid intake may reduce bladder cancer risk by diluting carcinogens and reducing bladder lining contact time 1.

Important Caveats

Limited Evidence for Fruit/Vegetable Impact on Recurrence:

• While cruciferous vegetables show promise for primary prevention 2, a prospective cohort study of 728 bladder cancer patients found no association between total fruit and vegetable intake and recurrence risk 6.
• This suggests that dietary interventions may be more effective for primary prevention than secondary prevention after diagnosis.

Avoid Isolated Supplements:

• High-dose vitamin supplements (beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin E) have not shown benefit and may cause harm in some populations 1, 4.
• Obtain nutrients from whole foods rather than supplements 4.

No IL-15 Specific Data:

• The medical literature does not contain evidence linking specific foods to IL-15 elevation in humans, and this is not a therapeutic target addressed in cancer nutrition guidelines 1, 4.