In a significant development for cancer research, a preclinical study published on August 8 in Cancer Research has revealed that intermittent fasting substantially increases the efficacy of anti-androgen therapy in prostate cancer animal models.
This finding suggests that dietary interventions could become a vital “adjuvant tool” in cancer treatment.
Researchers demonstrated for the first time that this dietary approach enhances the effectiveness of enzalutamide, an androgen receptor inhibitor commonly used in prostate cancer therapy.
The study, co-authored by Roberto Pili, MD, from the University at Buffalo, and Kirk A. Staschke, PhD, from the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, found that alternate-day fasting in mouse models of prostate cancer led to a reduction in androgen receptor expression and signaling, which are crucial for cancer growth. Furthermore, restricting the intake of protein, fats, and carbohydrates through this fasting method was observed to decrease amino acid levels and global protein synthesis within prostate cancer tumors, thereby making the tumors more sensitive to the drug and enhancing its antitumor activity. The benefits of this approach were consistently demonstrated across multiple mouse models of prostate cancer.
Dr. Pili, who also serves as associate dean for cancer research and integrative oncology in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at UB, emphasized that diet can have a significant impact on the biology of prostate cancer. The research builds on the understanding that the typical Western diet, rich in animal fat and protein, has been linked to increased cancer incidence and poorer prognoses. Conversely, caloric restriction has emerged as a promising strategy to reduce cancer incidence and delay progression, with preclinical models showing its ability to reduce circulating growth factors and hormones that promote cancer.

Building on these encouraging preclinical results, Dr. Pili is actively recruiting patients for clinical trials on restricted eating in prostate cancer patients receiving hormone therapy, and for another trial involving a plant-based diet and caloric restriction for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The ultimate goal of this research is to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of dietary restrictions on the biology of prostate cancer and other hormone-driven tumors, such as breast cancer.

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Clinical trial.