Lifestyle as an Adjunct to Immunotherapy: What the Evidence Really Shows (2026)
Key message: Lifestyle interventions do not replace immunotherapy — but they can meaningfully influence who responds, how well, and how long responses last by shaping metabolism, inflammation, and immune fitness. Why Lifestyle Matters in the Era of Immunotherapy Immune checkpoint inhibitors (PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4) have transformed cancer care, yet: Only 20–40% of patients achieve durable responses Many experience immune-related adverse events Metabolic and inflammatory status strongly influence outcomes Lifestyle factors act upstream of the immune system, affecting T-cell energetics, cytokine balance, gut microbiota, and systemic inflammation — all critical to immunotherapy success. Metabolic Health: The Primary Modifier of Immune Response Insulin Resistance and Hyperglycemia Poor glycemic control is associated with: Impaired T-cell activation Increased regulatory T-cell dominance Reduced response rates to checkpoint inhibitors Conversely, improved insulin sensitivity supports: CD8+ T-...