Dietary intervention to reduce cancer risk in firefighters

Implementing Good Nutrition to Improve, Transform, and Enhance Firefighters' Health

NA · Stanford University · NCT06567561

This study is testing if a whole-food, plant-based diet can help reduce cancer risk in active firefighters compared to their regular meals.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorStanford University (other)
Drugs / interventionsmethotrexate
Locations1 site (Palo Alto, California)
Trial IDNCT06567561 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The San Francisco Firefighter's Diet Study aims to explore the effects of a whole-food, plant-based diet on cancer markers among active firefighters. Participants will be randomly assigned to either follow a plant-based diet or continue with their usual firehouse meals over a 12-week period. The study will involve regular clinic visits to monitor health outcomes and dietary adherence. By focusing on dietary changes, the study seeks to identify potential strategies for lowering cancer risk in this high-risk occupational group.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are active firefighters aged 18 and older who are willing to adopt a plant-based diet.

Not a fit: Patients with significant health issues such as uncontrolled chronic diseases or those who are pregnant may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide firefighters with effective dietary strategies to lower their cancer risk.

How similar studies have performed: While dietary interventions have been explored in various populations, this specific approach targeting firefighters is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18+
* Active SF firefighter
* Willing to consume a plant-based diet (vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes, etc.)
* Willing to complete 4 clinic visits

Exclusion Criteria:

* Weight \< 110 lb
* BMI \>= 40
* Self-reported uncontrolled hypercholesterolemia, hypertension or diabetes
* Pregnant, lactating, or planning to become pregnant during the course of the study.
* Use of any of the following drugs/supplements within the last 2 months:

  * systemic antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, or antiparasitics (intravenous, intramuscular, or oral);
  * corticosteroids (intravenous, intramuscular, oral, nasal or inhaled);
  * cytokines;
  * methotrexate or immunosuppressive cytotoxic agents.
* Chronic, clinically significant, or unstable (unresolved, requiring ongoing changes to medical management or medication) pulmonary, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hepatic or renal functional abnormality, as determined by medical history, Type 1 diabetes, dialysis
* History of active cancer in the past 3 years except for squamous or basal cell carcinomas of the skin that have been medically managed by local excision
* Unstable dietary history as defined by major changes in diet during the previous month, where the subject has eliminated or significantly increased a major food group in the diet.
* Recent history of chronic excessive alcohol consumption defined as more than five 1.5-ounce servings of 80 proof distilled spirits, five 12-ounce servings of beer or five 5-ounce servings of wine per day; or \> 14 drinks/week.
* Any confirmed or suspected condition/state of immunosuppression or immunodeficiency (primary or acquired) including HIV infection, multiple sclerosis, and Graves' disease.
* Surgery of the GI tract, with the exception of cholecystectomy and appendectomy, in the past five years. Any major bowel resection at any time.
* Regular/frequent use of smoking or chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes, cigars or other nicotine-containing products
* Regular use of prescription opiate pain medication

Where this trial is running

Palo Alto, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cancer, Inflammation, Microbiome, Immune Function, Immune function

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.