Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Interventional Ages 18 and up

Intermittent caloric restriction and plant-based diet for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Official title: A Pilot, Feasibility Study of Intermittent Caloric Restriction Plus Plant-based Protein Diet in Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

Run by State University of New York at Buffalo · NCT05359848 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests if a mix of eating less on some days and following a plant-based diet can help cancer patients on chemotherapy feel better and get more benefit from their treatment.

More Medical Oncology trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorState University of New York at Buffalo
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations2 sites (Buffalo, New York and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 15, 2022
Main results expectedDecember 1, 2026
Study endsJune 1, 2027
Registry record updatedFebruary 20, 2026
Trial IDNCT05359848 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with histologically documented cancer who are eligible for cytotoxic chemotherapy and have a life expectancy of at least 6 months.

Probably not a fit

Patients with an ECOG performance status of 2 or higher or those who have received certain medications within 28 days prior to registration may not benefit from this study.

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

What this trial studies

This pilot trial investigates the feasibility of combining intermittent caloric restriction with a plant-based diet in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The study aims to determine if this dietary approach can enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy while reducing its side effects. Participants will follow an intermittent caloric restriction protocol on alternate days prior to chemotherapy administration. The trial will assess the safety and potential benefits of this combined dietary intervention in improving patient outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy and reduce its side effects for cancer patients.

How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar studies exploring dietary interventions in cancer treatment have shown promising results, suggesting potential for success.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* • Histologically documented, cancer patients who are eligible to receive cytotoxic chemotherapy.

  * Life expectancy of at least 6 months
  * Adults ≥ 18 years of age
  * Adequate hematologic, renal, and liver function as evidenced by the following:

    * White blood cell (WBC) ≥ 2,500 cells/μL
    * Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 1,000 cells/μL
    * Platelet Count ≥ 100,000 cells/μL
    * Hemoglobin (HgB) ≥ 9.0 g/dL
    * Creatinine ≤ 2.0 mg/dL
    * Total bilirubin ≤ 2 x upper limit of normal (ULN)
    * Aspartate aminotransaminase (AST, SGOT) ≤ 2.5 x ULN
    * Alanine aminotransaminase (ALT, SGPT) ≤ 2.5 x ULN

Exclusion Criteria:

* • Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 2 or higher

  * Treatment with any of the following medications or interventions within 28 days of registration:

    * Systemic corticosteroids; however, use of inhaled, intranasal, and topical steroids is acceptable.
    * High dose calcitriol \[1,25(OH)2VitD\] (i.e., \> 7.0 μg/week)
  * Any infection requiring parenteral antibiotic therapy or causing fever (temperature \> 100.5°F or 38.1°C) within 1 week prior to registration
  * A known allergy, intolerance, or medical contraindication to receiving the contrast dye required for the protocol-specified CT/MRI imaging
  * Any medical intervention or other condition which, in the opinion of the Principal Investigator, could compromise adherence with study requirements or otherwise compromise the study's objectives

Where it's running

  • University at Buffalo / Great Lakes Cancer Care
    Buffalo, New York, United States
    Recruiting
  • University at Buffalo / Great Lakes Cancer Care
    Buffalo, New York, United States
    Recruiting

Similar studies

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

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-15 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.