Time-restricted eating for fatigue and frailty in people with cancer
Official title: The effects of time-restricted eating on fatigue and the frailty phenotype among people living with cancer
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11449363 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A 12-week study will test whether eating within a daily 10-hour window helps reduce fatigue and slow frailty in people living with advanced cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 14, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $638,479 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA309399-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11449363 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with advanced or metastatic cancer who are living with chronic disease and experiencing fatigue.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without fatigue or frailty symptoms, or those unable to adhere to a structured eating window, may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests if restricting daily eating to a daytime 10-hour window can improve energy, strength, and overall function in adults with advanced cancer. Participants are randomly assigned to either time-restricted eating or standard nutrition counseling for 12 weeks, with ongoing follow-up to monitor outcomes. The study focuses on circadian rhythms and how daily eating patterns may influence fatigue, physical performance, and progression toward frailty in chronic cancer. Results could guide practical dietary changes to help patients feel stronger and more energetic while managing cancer. The trial is conducted at the University of Maryland Baltimore with close clinical oversight.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience less fatigue and slower progression toward frailty, improving daily functioning.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests circadian-aligned eating can influence metabolism and energy, but this exact approach in advanced cancer is still being tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kleckner, Amber Simmons — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Kleckner, Amber Simmons
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating frailty and aging in childhood cancer survivors
This study is looking at childhood cancer survivors to see how they might face health challenges similar to older adults as they grow up, and it aims to find ways to help them stay strong and healthy by exploring treatments that could improve their well-being.
-
Telehealth exercise program to help rural breast cancer survivors fight fatigue
A telehealth exercise program is being tested to reduce cancer-related fatigue in rural breast cancer survivors.
-
DESCANSO: A friendly CBT plan to ease depression, sleep problems, and fatigue in Latino cancer patients
A Spanish-speaking CBT program called DESCANSO is being tested to help Latino cancer patients feel less tired, sleep better, and happier.
-
Exercise-based frailty program for people awaiting lung transplants
A tailored exercise and lifestyle program is being tested to reduce frailty and improve outcomes for people waiting for a lung transplant.
-
AI-enabled bone aging and frailty markers in osteoporosis using advanced imaging
A clinician-scientist is using artificial intelligence with CT scans and epigenetics to better understand early bone aging and osteoporosis in adults.
-
Adapting an evidence-based workout program to slow frailty in older women living with HIV
A new program will tailor a proven physical activity plan to help older women with HIV stay stronger, more mobile, and less frail.
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.