Fasting during chemotherapy for ovarian cancer

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the feasibility and safety of intermittent fasting during neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. Participants will be assigned to either a fasting intervention or standard dietary recommendations for six weeks. The study aims to assess the impact of fasting on quality of life, symptoms, and treatment outcomes, while also exploring its effects on body composition, chemotherapy toxicity, and the gut microbiome. Researchers will compare the two groups to determine which approach is more effective and acceptable for patients.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 years and above
* Participants with confirmed diagnosis of primary epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) by internal cytologic or histologic evaluation (including fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer)
* Participants receiving platinum-based chemotherapy for ovarian cancer including

  * Participants with stage III or IV EOC planned to undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy (including participants who had a diagnostic laparoscopy or aborted debulking) OR
  * Participants with stage III or IV EOC following primary debulking surgery
  * Participants with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer who will receive platinum-based chemotherapy OR
  * Participants who had undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy and interval debulking surgery who will be receiving adjuvant (postoperative) chemotherapy
* Any invasive ovarian cancer histology
* Normal cognitive function

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \<18 years
* Malignant complete or partial bowel obstruction confirmed on imaging.
* Participants unable to provide informed consent.
* BMI \<18
* Participants diagnosed with severe malnutrition as assessed by study dietitian
* Type I diabetes on insulin
* Absence of pretreatment CT abdomen and pelvis imaging or \>4-6 weeks between imaging and cycle 1 of chemotherapy.

Where it's running

• Department of Subspecialty Care for Women's Health Women's Health; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
  Cleveland, Ohio, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Michelle Kuznicki, MD — The Cleveland Clinic
• Study coordinator: Michelle Kuznicki, MD
• Email: kuznicm@ccf.org
• Phone: (216) 444-8811

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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• Dual-target CAR-NK Cells for Peritoneal Cancers of the Ovary, Fallopian Tube, or Pseudoperitoneal Disease

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• Dual-Target CAR-NK Cells for Recurrent or Refractory Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.