How fasting can protect the intestines from radiation damage
Official title: Mechanisms of fasting-induced radioprotection of small intestinal epithelial cells
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11075274 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how short-term fasting might help protect the cells in your intestines from damage caused by high radiation levels, and it’s especially for people who may be exposed to radiation, like cancer patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $661,519 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA269495-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075274 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who may require radiation treatment and are interested in strategies to mitigate side effects.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing radiation therapy or have conditions unrelated to gastrointestinal health may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how short-term fasting may protect small intestinal cells from damage caused by high doses of radiation. The study focuses on the role of ketone bodies produced during fasting and how they can modify the genetic expression of intestinal cells. By examining changes in the gut microbiome and the epigenome of these cells, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could enhance the resilience of the intestines in patients exposed to radiation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new protective strategies for patients undergoing radiation therapy, potentially reducing gastrointestinal damage.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using fasting to protect against radiation damage in animal models, indicating potential for success in human applications.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Piwnica-Worms, Helen M — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Piwnica-Worms, Helen M
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.