Study on the effect of short-term fasting for cancer patients

Stephan P. Bauersfeld et al.

April 2018

Cancer rehabilitation

Other fasting

This pilot study investigated the feasibility and effects of short-term fasting on quality of life and well-being in patients with gynecologic cancer undergoing chemotherapy. 34 patients were randomly assigned to either STF before chemotherapy followed by a normal diet or vice versa.

The study found that the reduction in quality of life caused by chemotherapy was less pronounced during fasting compared to non-fasting periods . In addition, fasting appeared to reduce fatigue during chemotherapy cycles.

No serious side effects were reported, suggesting that short-term fasting during chemotherapy is well tolerated. Larger studies are needed to further evaluate the potential benefits of short-term fasting as an adjunct to chemotherapy.

The most important information on the study at a glance

Indications: Cancer
Institution: Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
Title: Study on the effect of short-term fasting for cancer patients
Brief description: The study shows that short-term fasting improves quality of life and fatigue in chemotherapy patients with gynecological cancer.
Original title: The effects of short-term fasting on quality of life and tolerance to chemotherapy in patients with breast and ovarian cancer: a randomized cross-over pilot study
Link to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29699509/