Fasting during chemotherapy

Peer reviewed / Position papers in Ernährung Umschau, as in many other journals, are not subject to the regular peer review process, because position papers have already been discussed, evaluated, and peer-reviewed and are broadly consented texts.

A statement by the Working Group on Prevention and Integrative Oncology (PRIO) in the German Cancer Society (DGEM), the German Society for Nutritional Medicine and the Association of Dietitians - German Federal Association (VDD).

Introduction

Especially in oncology, there are various forms of nutrition for patients, which are supposed to support the sufferers during the therapy. One of these diets is a special form of fasting, which involves fasting periods of varying lengths before, during and after each chemotherapy cycle. By the renunciation of food, metabolic processes in the body should be altered, resulting in reduced chemotoxicity and side effects, increased efficacy of tumor therapies, and improved quality of life [1]. Although these effects initially sound promising, fasting periods provide for several days of food abstinence, the risks of which should be considered. In addition, the potential benefits have yet to be scientifically proven.

Fasting – Definition

Fasting is understood as the (voluntary) renunciation of solid foods, high-energy drinks and stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine during a defined period of time that is individually adapted to the situation [2, 3]. Depending on the health status different forms of fasting can be distinguished: There is therapeutic fasting, preventive fasting and a fasting form for healthy individuals who choose this dietary form without therapeutic and medical intention [3]. ...

Abstract

For several years, there has been discussion about whether fasting periods of different lengths before, during, and after a chemotherapy cycle can reduce therapy-related side effects, increase therapy response, and improve patients' quality of life. In this context, the renunciation of food is supposed to strengthen healthy cells during treatment while better attacking cancer cells, which are supposed to be more susceptible to the therapy. When considering the current state of studies, meaningful clinical data are lacking due to methodological deficiencies, small numbers of participants, and heterogeneity of study interventions. Therefore, the authors of this statement conclude that no recommendation for fasting during chemotherapy should be made at this time.

Keywords: fasting, cancer, chemotherapy, tumor therapy, oncology, nutrition therapy

Full text PDF (free version)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/legalcode