Investigating how time-restricted eating affects cancer treatment outcomes.

Time-Restricted Eating and Cancer: Clinical Outcomes, Mechanisms, and Moderators

['FUNDING_R01'] · CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11095880

This study is looking at how eating within a 10-hour window each day might help improve treatment for people with rectal cancer, and it’s inviting 300 newly diagnosed patients to join in and see if this eating plan can make chemotherapy work better while keeping healthy cells safe.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11095880 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research explores the effects of time-restricted eating (TRE) on cancer patients undergoing treatment, specifically focusing on rectal cancer. TRE involves eating within a 10-hour window each day, followed by a 14-hour fasting period, which may enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy while protecting healthy cells. The study aims to enroll 300 newly diagnosed patients to assess how this dietary approach influences tumor size and treatment response. Participants will continue to receive standard oncological care while incorporating TRE into their routine.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with newly diagnosed localized rectal cancer (stage II-III) and a BMI of 18.5 kg/m2 or higher.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced cancer stages or those who do not meet the specified BMI criteria may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients by enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapy and reducing side effects.

How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies have shown promising results with fasting combined with chemotherapy, but this is the first large-scale clinical trial investigating TRE in cancer patients.

Where this research is happening

LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.