Tendências na produção científica sobre dieta rica em proteínas em pacientes oncológicos

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer remains one of the greatest global public health challenges, with high morbidity and mortality rates and a significant impact on patients’ quality of life. In this context, adequate nutrition—particularly high-protein diets—has been recognized as essential in the nutritional and clinical management of oncology patients. Objective: To analyze trends in scientific production on high-protein diets in cancer patients, identifying the main themes, authors, institutions, and countries contributing to this field. Method: A bibliometric, quantitative, and descriptive study was conducted through a systematic search in the PubMed and Virtual Health Library (BVS) databases from 2006 to 2025. The descriptors “High-Protein Diet” and “Neoplasms” were used in English and Portuguese. Data analysis was performed using the Bibliometrix package (R software), applying classical bibliometric laws (Lotka, Bradford, and Zipf). Results: Eleven studies published between 2017 and 2025 were included, predominantly in English (91%) and originating from developed countries such as England (36.4%), the United States (18.2%), and Switzerland (18.2%). The main topics addressed included protein supplementation, preservation of muscle mass, quality of life, and reduction of chemotherapy-related toxicity. The journals Nutrients and Clinical Nutrition were the most frequent publication sources. The most common keywords were high-protein diet, cancer, muscle mass, and quality of life. Conclusion: Evidence indicates that high-protein diets improve nutritional status, therapeutic response, and quality of life in oncology patients. However, further clinical research and increased scientific production in developing countries are needed. The topic stands out as a promising field at the intersection of nutrition and oncology, with potential to positively impact comprehensive cancer care.