Exploring the potential of fish oil (Omega-3 and Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fats) as metabolic mediators for targeted cancer therapy

Abstract

Cancer mortality and incidence are both sharply increasing on a global scale. GLOBOCAN estimates that in 2020, there were around 10.0 million cancer-related deaths and nearly 19.3 million new cancer diagnoses, making cancer the top cause of death globally and a significant impediment to improving life expectancy. Cancer cannot be completely cured, though. However, supplements containing polyunsaturated fatty acids with marine origins, such as EPA and DHA, are frequently taken. Fish oil (above 3 grams per day) and EPA/DHA (above 1 and above 0.8 grams per day) have been shown to have good clinical effects, indicating that they may have the potential to be an effective adjuvant to chemotherapy and may alleviate some of the harmful consequences of cancer. This review is aimed at examining the importance of Omega-3 PUFAs as metabolic mediators and their impact on cancer.