Can Fasting Around Chemo Improve Ovarian Cancer Outcomes?
A small phase 2 trial suggests that fasting around chemotherapy may enhance treatment response for advanced ovarian cancer patients. The study found that patients who fasted before and after chemotherapy had better outcomes compared to those who ate normally. Researchers emphasize the need for further studies to confirm these findings and explore the long-term effects of fasting on survival rates.
- ▪The trial involved 36 patients with stage III or IV high-grade ovarian cancer.
- ▪Patients who fasted showed stronger pathologic responses and longer progression-free survival.
- ▪Fasting was found to lower insulin levels, which may improve chemotherapy response.
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A few days of fasting around chemotherapy sessions may improve treatment response and outcomes for some patients with advanced ovarian cancer, a small phase 2 trial suggests.The study, of 36 patients with stage III or IV high-grade ovarian cancer, found that those randomly assigned to fast for 36 hours before chemotherapy and 24 hours afterward had stronger pathologic responses to chemotherapy and longer progression-free survival than patients who ate normally during treatment.The findings, reported at a press briefing ahead the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2026, hint at a straightforward measure to potentially improve patients’ outcomes.The working theory is that short-term fasting boosts chemotherapy response by lowering insulin and IGF-1 levels, both of which are…
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