Will fasting extinguish cancer cells?

Fasting, the practice of abstaining from food or drink for a specified period, has intrigued researchers for its potential health benefits beyond traditional dietary restrictions. In recent years, there has been growing interest in understanding how fasting may impact cancer cells and potentially enhance cancer treatment strategies.

Several studies have delved into this area, shedding light on the complex interplay between fasting and cancer biology. One notable researcher in this field is Valter Longo from the University of Southern California, whose work has suggested that fasting could augment the efficacy of chemotherapy while safeguarding healthy cells.

In a study conducted at USC in 2012, researchers found that fasting could slow the growth and spread of mice's tumours by reducing insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a hormone implicated in cancer progression. This discovery hinted at the potential of fasting to impede cancer cell proliferation.

Building upon this research, a study from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2015 revealed that fasting cycles could selectively starve cancer cells while protecting normal cells from the damaging effects of chemotherapy. This dual benefit offered a promising avenue for improving cancer treatment outcomes.

Further investigations at USC in 2016 demonstrated that fasting cycles, even in the absence of chemotherapy, could retard the progression of breast cancer and melanoma in animal models. These findings underscored the potential of fasting as a standalone therapeutic intervention against cancer.

In 2017, a study from the Mayo Clinic added to the growing body of evidence by suggesting that fasting might enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy. This cutting-edge cancer treatment harnesses the body's immune system to target cancer cells.

While these studies provide compelling insights into the potential benefits of fasting in cancer treatment, it is essential to recognize that fasting alone is unlikely to cure cancer. Instead, it may complement existing treatment modalities and improve patient outcomes.

Despite the promising findings, more research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effects of fasting on cancer cells and to determine optimal fasting regimens for different cancer types and stages. Additionally, clinical trials are necessary to validate and translate these preclinical findings into clinical practice.

Several studies have investigated the potential effects of fasting on cancer cells. Some notable research includes:

Preclinical studies (in animals and cells):

Fasting and cancer: molecular mechanisms and clinical application: This review summarizes various studies, including one where alternate-day fasting in mice with colon cancer reduced immunosuppressive factors, potentially boosting the immune system's ability to fight cancer cells. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6938162/)
Effect of fasting on cancer: A narrative review of scientific evidence: This review discusses how fasting might limit cancer cell growth and adaptability, potentially improving treatment effectiveness and reducing side effects. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35848874/)
Fasting: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Applications: This review mentions studies where fasting reduced tumor incidence and enhanced the effectiveness of chemotherapy in mice models. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3946160/)

Clinical studies (in humans):

Fasting and Cancer: What Does the Research Say?: This article highlights studies suggesting benefits like reduced breast cancer recurrence and improved treatment response with fasting protocols like time-restricted feeding. (https://www.cancercenter.com/community/blog/2021/06/fasting-cancer)
Effect of fasting on cancer: A narrative review of scientific evidence: This review mentions clinical trials showing improved cancer risk factors like lower insulin levels with intermittent fasting, but larger studies are needed. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9530862/)
University of Southern California Study (2012): A study conducted at the University of Southern California found that fasting could slow the growth and spread of tumours in mice by reducing the levels of a growth hormone called IGF-1.
University of California, Berkeley Study (2015): Researchers at UC Berkeley found that fasting cycles could starve cancer cells while protecting normal cells from chemotherapy damage in animal and human studies.
University of Southern California Study (2016): Another study from USC found that fasting cycles without chemotherapy could slow the progression of breast cancer and melanoma in mice.
Mayo Clinic Study (2017): A study from the Mayo Clinic indicated that fasting could potentially enhance the effects of immunotherapy in cancer treatment.

These studies provide insights into the potential effects of fasting on cancer cells, but further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and effectiveness of fasting as a cancer treatment adjunct.