Effects of intermittent fasting on breast cancer treatment

Influence of Intermittent Fasting on Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Patients: a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Menoufia University · NCT06174259

This study tests if intermittent fasting can help women with locally advanced breast cancer respond better to chemotherapy while keeping their healthy cells safe.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment66 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorMenoufia University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Shibīn Al Kawm, Menoufia)
Trial IDNCT06174259 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the impact of intermittent fasting on women with locally advanced breast cancer who are undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. It aims to determine whether fasting can enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy by making cancer cells more vulnerable while protecting normal cells. The study focuses on female patients with stage II or III breast cancer who are overweight or obese and have measurable disease. Participants will be monitored for their response to treatment and overall health during the fasting regimen.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are female patients with stage II or III breast cancer who are overweight or obese and scheduled to receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with serious comorbidities, diabetes, or metabolic disorders that affect fasting may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve treatment outcomes for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

How similar studies have performed: While intermittent fasting has shown promise in preclinical studies, this specific approach in breast cancer treatment is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Female patients with stage II or III (cT1cN+ or ≥T2 any cN, cM0) breast cancer. - Planned to receive standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
* Measurable disease (breast and/or lymph nodes).
* WHO performance status 0-2.
* Being overweight (BMI: 25-29.9 kg/m2) or obese (BMI: ≥30 kg/m2).
* Adequate bone marrow function : white blood cells (WBCs) ≥3.0 x 109/l, neutrophils ≥1.5 x 109/l, platelets ≥100 x 109/l
* Adequate liver function: bilirubin ≤1.5 x upper limit of normal (UNL) range, ALAT and/or ASAT ≤2.5 x UNL, Alkaline Phosphatase ≤5 x UNL
* Adequate renal function: the calculated creatinine clearance should be ≥50 mL/min
* Patients must be accessible for treatment and follow-up

Exclusion Criteria:

* Serious diseases such as recent myocardial infarction, clinical signs of cardiac failure or clinically significant arrhythmias
* Diabetes Mellitus.
* Pregnancy or lactating
* Any metabolic disorders that may affect gluconeogenesis or adaptation to fasting periods.
* Previous malignancy.
* Using weight loss medication.

Where this trial is running

Shibīn Al Kawm, Menoufia

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.
Conditions Locally Advanced Breast CancerIntermittent Fastinglocally advanced breast cancerHR positive HER2 negative breast cancerintermittent fasting
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.