Intermittent Fasting and Fasting-mimicking Diet: Promising Strategies in Cancer Management

In the current review, we aim to elucidate the advancements concerning the roles and fundamental mechanisms of intermittent fasting (IF)> and fasting-mimicking diet (FMD)> in cancers. As a dietary intervention,> IF and FMD> potentially impede tumor growth by modulating multiple signaling pathways, such as AKT, Nrf2, and AMPK pathways.> Moreover, IF and FMD have been reported to be associated with the tumor immune response by regulating various immune cells including tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), T cells, and B cells.> Additionally, IF and FMD can enhance the efficacy and tolerability of therapy, concurrently reducing therapy-induced side effects.> Furthermore, several clinical trials have underscored the safety, feasibility, and positive impact on the quality of life associated with IF and FMD, thereby augmenting the effectiveness of conventional anti-tumor therapies while ameliorating treatment-related side effects. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of findings and elucidates the underlying mechanisms of IF and FMD in cancer progression and therapy.