Intermittent fasting with PD-1 inhibitors for non-small cell lung cancer
Official title: Evaluating the impact of intermittent fasting in combination with checkpoint inhibitors in patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Funded at Rlr VA Medical Center · NIH-11456786 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant tests whether a fasting-mimicking diet can boost the effectiveness of PD-1 inhibitors for people with non-small cell lung cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rlr VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2027 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002843-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11456786 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with non-small cell lung cancer who are candidates for PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not receiving PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors or unable to safely follow a fasting-mimicking dietary plan may not benefit.
What this research studies
In people with NSCLC treated with PD-1 inhibitors, this grant explores whether adding a fasting-mimicking diet can enhance cancer control and reduce treatment-related immune side effects. The approach leverages cancer metabolism differences to potentially improve responses to immunotherapy. The study combines dietary intervention with standard therapies in a way that aims to be tolerable and feasible for patients to follow. If successful, the findings could inform how patients manage treatment and potentially improve outcomes and safety.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience better responses to PD-1 inhibitors and potentially fewer treatment-related toxicities.
How similar studies have gone: Prior data suggest tolerability of fasting-mimicking diets in cancer patients and potential synergy with immunotherapy, though results are still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
Rlr VA Medical Center
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jalal, Shadia I — Rlr VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Jalal, Shadia I
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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.