Short-Term Fasting Synergizes with Solid Cancer Therapy by Boosting Antitumor Immunity
Nadia de Gruil1, Hanno Pijl2, Sjoerd H van der Burg1
1Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands.
Cancers
|March 25, 2022
Summary
Short-term fasting (STF), a fasting mimicking diet (FMD), shows potential in improving cancer treatment efficacy and reducing side effects. It enhances anti-tumor immunity and decreases tumor growth signaling pathways.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Short-term fasting (STF), often utilizing a fasting mimicking diet (FMD), is emerging as a strategy to potentiate cancer therapies.
- Preclinical data suggest STF may enhance chemotherapy efficacy and reduce toxicity by modulating key cancer-related signaling pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the underlying anticancer mechanisms of STF.
- To summarize preclinical and clinical evidence on STF's role in cancer treatment, particularly its immunomodulatory effects.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical studies investigating STF's impact on tumor immunity and growth signaling.
- Analysis of clinical findings on STF's immunomodulatory effects in patients undergoing cancer treatment, including immunotherapy.
Main Results:
- STF may enhance anti-tumor immunity by increasing tumor immunogenicity and reducing local immunosuppression.
- Lowering of circulating insulin and insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels are proposed mechanisms for STF's anti-cancer effects.
- Clinical studies indicate STF has immunomodulatory effects during various cancer treatments.
Conclusions:
- STF is a promising adjuvant strategy for cancer treatment, potentially enhancing chemotherapy and immunotherapy efficacy.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the benefits of combining STF with various cancer treatment modalities, including immunotherapy.
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