Researchers at Charité Medical University in Berlin explored how fasting around chemotherapy sessions might influence treatment side effects. The findings, reported by Medscape, focus on whether limiting caloric intake could ease common symptoms such as fatigue, diarrhea, and nausea for patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer.
The study enrolled 106 women of normal weight who were about to start chemotherapy for breast cancer. Participants were split into two groups. One group restricted daily calories to a maximum of 200, while the other followed a low-sugar, plant-based diet. Dietary instructions began two days before chemotherapy and continued through the treatment window. After completing chemotherapy, participants were allowed to return to their usual diet. The researchers conducted quality of life assessments after each course of therapy and again at four and six months after treatment.
Results showed that those who consumed minimal food during the initial chemotherapy course reported less fatigue and a higher energy level. The benefits grew more pronounced with subsequent chemotherapy cycles. An improvement in overall quality of life was also observed among these participants when compared with the other group.
The authors noted that dietary adjustments or fasting could potentially reduce additional chemotherapy-related side effects such as nausea or diarrhea. Nonetheless, patient health status must be carefully considered before adopting any fasting plan. This approach should not be pursued if a patient is actively losing weight or if medical conditions make caloric restriction unsafe.
In the ongoing discussion about early cancer detection and preventive strategies, clinicians continue to evaluate how nutrition interacts with cancer therapies. The Berlin study adds to a body of evidence suggesting that carefully monitored dietary strategies may influence the tolerability of chemotherapy and the patient’s perceived well-being. These findings are a basis for future research and must be interpreted within the broader context of individualized cancer care.