Interactive time-restricted diet to improve outcomes in patients with brain metastases from breast or lung cancer

Txt4fasting: An Interactive Mobile Time-Restricted Eating Diet Intervention for Patients With Brain Metastases to Maximize Radiation Outcomes

Not applicable Interventional Thomas Jefferson University · NCT06315296

This study is testing if a special eating plan can help people with brain cancer from breast or lung cancer feel better and live longer.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThomas Jefferson University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsChemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT06315296 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of an interactive time-restricted diet intervention, known as txt4fasting, aimed at reducing neurocognitive decline and improving survival in patients with brain metastases from breast or lung cancer. Participants are randomized into two groups: one follows a strict time-restricted diet with positive reinforcement and counseling, while the other receives general healthy eating messages. Both groups undergo stereotactic radiosurgery and are monitored for changes in neurocognitive function and progression-free survival. Blood samples and brain MRIs are collected throughout the study to assess biomarkers and treatment effects.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with pathologically confirmed breast or lung cancer and a BMI of 25 kg/m² or higher.

Not a fit: Patients who cannot tolerate a normal diet or are not candidates for stereotactic radiosurgery will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to improved cognitive function and survival rates for patients with brain metastases.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is novel, similar dietary interventions have shown promise in improving health outcomes in cancer patients.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 years or older
* Pathologically proven breast or lung cancer primary malignancy confirmed
* Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m\^2
* SRS candidate (1-10 MRI detected brain metastases as per the discretion of radiologist) as determined by the treating physician
* Chemotherapy, hormone, and immune therapy will be allowed concurrently
* Willing and able to comply with the protocol for the duration of the study
* Able to speak, read and write English
* Negative pregnancy test if childbearing potential
* Owns a mobile phone with mobile text messaging (TXT) capability

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to tolerate a normal diet (may include an active malabsorption syndrome at the time of consent \[i.e. Crohn's disease, major bowel resection leading to permanent malabsorption\])
* Not a SRS candidate as determined by the treating physician
* Prior brain surgery ≤ 14 days prior to enrollment
* Intractable seizures while on adequate anticonvulsant therapy-more than 1 seizure per week for the past 2 months
* Patient with a diagnosis of glioma, or other World Health Organization (WHO) grade II-IV primary brain tumor

Where this trial is running

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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 Anatomic Stage IV Breast Cancer AJCC v8Metastatic Breast CarcinomaMetastatic Lung CarcinomaMetastatic Malignant Neoplasm in the BrainStage IV Lung Cancer AJCC v8
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.