Fasting Improves Treatment Efficacy in Cancer Patients Without Compromising Safety

The vulnerability of cancer cells to nutrient deprivation and their reliance on specific metabolites are emerging markers in cancer research. Numerous animal studies and preclinical research have shown that fasting is both safe and feasible. As a result, many studies suggest combining fasting with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or other treatments as a potentially promising strategy to enhance therapeutic outcomes. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the outcome measures in randomized controlled trials that reflect the impact of fasting on cancer treatment efficacy. Additionally, it validates the relationship between fasting and relevant proteins using data from the UK Biobank, including insulin receptor (INSR), insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1), and further examines the impact of changes in these proteins on cancer patient prognosis. We found that fasting improves radiological response rates by lowering glucose, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels, while increasing insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGF-BP) levels. Fasting also reduces DNA damage in immune cells and does not lead to additional treatment-related toxicities. Thus, fasting is a safe and effective adjunctive treatment for cancer, improving therapeutic outcomes while ensuring patient safety.