In a recent study, scientists tested the tolerance and effects that diet-mimicking fasting could provide. The results showed that the induced metabolic and immune changes led to improvement in cancer patients, but require further evidence. In addition, the study authors hope that the data obtained will provide new informationEnabling cancer treatmentsand could reduce cancer mortality.
Calorie-restricted diet and simulated fasting in cancer patients
Adhering to extended fasting and strict calorie restrictions can be a real challenge and pose safety issues. With this in mind, researchers have developed a diet that is low in calories, sugar and protein and mimics fasting. The main goal was to achieve effects similar to those found in animal studies in humans through simulated fasting while preventing nutrient deficiencies. Study participants with cancer consumed up to 600 calories on day 1 and up to 300 calories on days 2-5. They followed this period of calorie restriction with nutrition for 16-23 days to regain the lost weight. Subjects then repeated these therapies every 3 or 4 weeks for up to eight cycles, completing an average of four of them. The study also included people who had different types of cancer at different stages and received different cancer treatments. However, the research team excluded people who were underweight or at high risk of malnutrition.
After 5 days, blood samples from 38 participants treated with it showed a significant decrease in specific white blood cells, so-called myeloid cells. These are associated with immunosuppression. They also had increased numbers of cytotoxic T cells. These are immune cells that can kill cancer cells. Both of these changes were independent of cancer treatment. Accordingly, mimic fasting achieved through this diet resulted in metabolic changes such as low blood sugar and insulin. The researchers also observed significant changes in the immune system that suggested inhibited tumor growth. The most relevant resultthis studyis that such dietary changes can strengthen the immune system by activating specific immune cells that are clearly recognized as crucial for recognizing and killing cancer cells.
