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.