Testing overnight fasting for childhood cancer survivors
Overnight Fasting After Completion of Therapy: The OnFACT Study
This study is testing if having childhood cancer survivors fast overnight for at least 14 hours can improve their health and blood sugar levels compared to their usual eating habits.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, radiation, prednisone |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT03523377 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the feasibility and potential benefits of intermittent fasting, specifically not eating for at least 14 hours overnight, in childhood cancer survivors. Participants will be monitored to assess changes in blood sugar levels and overall health outcomes. The intervention involves prolonged overnight fasting compared to usual care, with participants required to wear a mobile health device to track their fasting periods. The study aims to determine if this dietary approach can be safely integrated into the lives of survivors who have completed their cancer treatment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking adults aged 18 and older who have a history of cancer treatment and meet specific health criteria.
Not a fit: Patients currently on antidiabetic medications or those unable to fast for medical reasons may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve blood sugar control and overall health in childhood cancer survivors.
How similar studies have performed: While intermittent fasting has been studied in various populations, this specific approach in childhood cancer survivors is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Body mass index is ≥ 18.5 kg/m\^2 * History of treatment for cancer or related illness diagnosed at ≤ 25 years old * Off cytotoxic therapy for primary cancer ≥ 2 years * Not receiving cytotoxic therapy (chemotherapy, external beam radiation therapy) at the time of study enrollment * History of radiation to the chest, abdomen or total body * Current age ≥18 years * English-speaking * Personal phone with SMS text messaging capability * Willingness to wear an mHealth device, such as a FitBit, for two 7-day periods * Able to perform all study requirements Exclusion Criteria: * Use of any antidiabetic, weight loss, or appetite control medication * Use of any other medication that could impact dietary intake, such as prednisone * Currently fasts 12 hours or more by self-report * Unable to fast due to medical reason such as pregnancy
Where this trial is running
New York, New York
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Danielle Friedman, MD, MS — Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Danielle Friedman, MD, MS
- Email: friedmad@mskcc.org
- Phone: 212-639-7376
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.