Breast cancer treatment, especially chemotherapy, can be tough on the body. Many patients experience challenging side effects that affect their quality of life. Recently, researchers have been exploring fasting as a way to help breast cancer patients feel better during chemotherapy.
Two main types of fasting being studied are short-term fasting (STF) and fasting-mimicking diets (FMD). These methods are being looked at for their potential to make chemotherapy more manageable and improve how patients feel overall, especially for those receiving a specific type of chemotherapy known as anthracycline-based chemotherapy (AC).
What is Short-Term Fasting (STF)?
Short-term fasting (STF) involves not eating for a set period, usually between 24 to 72 hours, around the time of chemotherapy treatments. This typically means consuming only about 200 kcal/day through vegetable juices and broths during the fasting period.
Some studies suggest that this type of fasting could help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and improve patients’ quality of life.
For example, one study found that breast cancer patients who fasted for 60 hours around their chemotherapy sessions reported feeling less fatigued and had a better overall quality of life. Fatigue, or extreme tiredness, is a common and frustrating side effect of chemotherapy, so anything that helps reduce it is valuable.
Another study showed that fasting for 48 to 72 hours might lower the risk of neutropenia, a condition where white blood cells drop to dangerously low levels, making it harder for the body to fight infections. The same study also found that fasting could reduce DNA damage in immune cells, suggesting it might help protect healthy cells from the harmful effects of chemotherapy
This aligns with other research that suggests fasting may make cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy while protecting healthy cells.
Fasting-Mimicking Diets (FMD): A Different Approach
For patients who find complete fasting difficult, fasting-mimicking diets (FMD) offer a different option.
These diets allow patients to eat small amounts of specific foods while still achieving many of the benefits of fasting. The diet is designed to be low in calories, proteins, and sugars, helping the body to mimic the state it would be in if fasting.
Research suggests that these diets might help reduce immune-suppressing cells and activate cancer-fighting immune cells, which could potentially help the body better fight cancer .
In one large trial, patients who followed a fasting-mimicking diet during chemotherapy reported feeling less fatigued and had a better quality of life than those who did not follow the diet. This suggests that FMDs might be a more practical and manageable option for some patients.
Fasting and fasting-mimicking diets may also help lower levels of substances in the body, such as IGF-1 and glucose, which are linked to cancer growth. By reducing these levels, fasting could make cancer cells more vulnerable to the effects of chemotherapy.
Challenges of Fasting During Chemotherapy
While fasting and fasting-mimicking diets show promise, they are not easy for everyone.
Some patients may find it hard to stick to these diets, especially when dealing with the physical and emotional challenges of cancer treatment. Also, not all patients are medically fit to fast; those who are already weak or have other health issues might not be able to fast safely.
More research is needed to better understand how these fasting methods work and how they can be made safe and effective for all patients.
While the initial studies are encouraging, larger and more detailed clinical trials are needed to develop clear guidelines for using fasting as a supportive therapy during chemotherapy.
A Personalized Approach to Fasting
In summary, both short-term fasting and fasting-mimicking diets could offer additional support to breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. These approaches might help reduce the side effects of treatment and improve patients’ quality of life. However, it’s important to remember that fasting is not suitable for everyone. Each patient’s unique needs, health conditions, and preferences must be considered when thinking about fasting as a supportive therapy.Breast cancer patients interested in fasting should discuss it with their healthcare team to see if it is a good option for them. While fasting could provide some benefits, it is essential to balance these with any potential risks and ensure it complements the main treatment plan.
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