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Fasting and cancer responses to therapy
José Manuel Bravo-San Pedro1, Federico Pietrocola2
1Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid, Spain.
International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology
|October 25, 2022
Summary
Nutritional interventions, including fasting, can significantly impact cancer therapy outcomes. Caloric restriction may enhance chemotherapy and immunotherapy by improving the body's anti-cancer immune response.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nutrition Science
- Immunology
Background:
- Therapeutic outcomes in cancer treatment depend on tumor and host factors.
- Dietary composition and calorie intake influence cancer biology, from initiation to metastasis.
- Nutritional imbalance and excess calories promote cancer and reduce treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review preclinical and clinical studies on nutritional interventions in cancer therapy.
- To emphasize the impact of fasting-related interventions on cancer treatment response.
Main Methods:
- Review of current preclinical research.
- Analysis of ongoing clinical studies.
- Focus on fasting and fasting-mimicking diets.
Main Results:
- Nutritional imbalances and excess calories negatively affect cancer progression and treatment.
- Nutrient deprivation strategies (fasting, specific nutrient restriction) show potential in potentiating anticancer drugs.
- Caloric restriction may enhance chemotherapy and immunotherapy by boosting anti-cancer immunosurveillance.
Conclusions:
- Nutritional interventions, particularly fasting, are crucial in modulating cancer biology and treatment response.
- Fasting's benefits may extend beyond metabolic effects on cancer cells to enhancing the immune system's anti-cancer activity.
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