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Updated: Sep 4, 2025

Assessment of the Metabolic Effects of Isocaloric 2:1 Intermittent Fasting in Mice
Published on: November 27, 2019
Effect of fasting on cancer: A narrative review of scientific evidence
Sagun Tiwari1,2,3, Namrata Sapkota4,5,6, Zhenxiang Han1
1Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
Emerging evidence suggests that fasting could play a key role in cancer treatment by fostering conditions that limit cancer cells' adaptability, survival, and growth. Fasting could increase the effectiveness of cancer treatments and limit adverse events. Yet, we lack an integrated mechanistic model for how these two complicated systems interact, limiting our ability to understand, prevent, and treat cancer using fasting. Here, we review recent findings at the interface of oncology and fasting metabolism, with an emphasis on human clinical studies of intermittent fasting. We recommend combining prolonged periodic fasting with a standard conventional therapeutic approach to promote cancer-free survival, treatment efficacy and reduce side effects in cancer patients.
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