Scientists studied whether eating less could help prostate cancer treatments work better. They found that when mice with prostate cancer fasted every other day, a common cancer drug called enzalutamide became more effective at fighting tumors. The fasting appeared to reduce levels of a protein that helps cancer grow, making the treatment stronger. While this research was done in mice, it suggests that simple dietary changes might one day help improve cancer treatment outcomes for people.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether fasting every other day could make prostate cancer treatment more effective
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice with prostate cancer (human sample size not specified)
  • Key finding: Alternate-day fasting made the cancer drug enzalutamide work better by reducing cancer-promoting proteins
  • What it means for you: This early research suggests dietary changes might enhance cancer treatment, but human studies are needed before making recommendations

The Research Details

Researchers used laboratory mice with prostate cancer to test whether alternate-day fasting could improve cancer treatment. They gave some mice the fasting diet while others ate normally, then treated both groups with enzalutamide, a common prostate cancer drug. The scientists measured how well the tumors responded and looked at changes in cancer-related proteins. They also used laboratory techniques to understand exactly how the fasting affected the cancer cells at a molecular level.

Using animal models allows researchers to carefully control diet and treatment while studying the biological mechanisms. This type of research is essential for understanding how treatments work before testing in humans.

This study used multiple mouse models and investigated the biological mechanisms, which strengthens the findings. However, results from animal studies don’t always translate to humans, so clinical trials would be needed to confirm these benefits.

What the Results Show

The main discovery was that alternate-day fasting significantly improved how well enzalutamide worked against prostate cancer in mice. The fasting reduced levels of androgen receptor, a protein that helps prostate cancer grow and survive. When this protein was lower, the cancer drug became more effective at shrinking tumors. The researchers found that fasting worked by limiting amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. This limitation specifically interfered with the cancer cells’ ability to make the androgen receptor protein, essentially starving the cancer of a key growth signal.

The study revealed that the fasting didn’t just reduce protein levels randomly - it specifically targeted the process of protein creation at a particular stage called elongation. The researchers also found that certain drugs that interfere with protein production in similar ways could mimic the effects of fasting, suggesting multiple approaches might work.

This research builds on previous studies showing that diet can influence cancer outcomes. However, this study provides new insight into exactly how dietary restriction might enhance existing cancer treatments, rather than just preventing cancer.

The study was conducted only in mice, so we don’t know if the same effects would occur in humans. The sample size wasn’t specified, and long-term effects weren’t studied. Additionally, the safety and practicality of alternate-day fasting during cancer treatment in humans remains unknown.

The Bottom Line

Based on this early research, it’s too soon to recommend alternate-day fasting for prostate cancer patients. Anyone with cancer should discuss dietary changes with their oncologist before making modifications, as nutrition needs during treatment are complex and individual.

Prostate cancer patients and their families should be aware of this research but wait for human studies. Healthcare providers treating prostate cancer may want to follow future clinical trials in this area.

Human clinical trials would likely take several years to complete. Patients shouldn’t expect immediate dietary recommendations based on this research alone.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily caloric intake and eating patterns if working with an oncologist on dietary interventions
  • Focus on maintaining adequate nutrition during cancer treatment while discussing any fasting approaches with medical team
  • Log energy levels, treatment side effects, and overall wellbeing if implementing any dietary changes under medical supervision

This research was conducted in laboratory animals and has not been tested in humans. Cancer patients should never modify their diet or treatment without consulting their oncologist, as individual nutritional needs during cancer treatment are complex and critical for recovery.