Time Restricted Eating During Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

This trial explores how time-restricted eating (eating within an 8-hour window) might benefit women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. It examines whether this eating pattern can enhance treatment effectiveness, reduce side effects, and prevent weight gain. Participants will either follow a time-restricted eating plan, a Mediterranean diet within a time-restricted window, or adhere to current standard care. This trial may suit women with stage I-III breast cancer who have stable weight and no history of eating disorders or night shift work. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to investigate innovative dietary strategies that could improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Earlier studies have examined time-restricted eating (TRE), a form of intermittent fasting, during chemotherapy for breast cancer. These studies show that TRE is generally safe and might even be beneficial. Research suggests that people with cancer find TRE manageable, and it could help improve their quality of life. Importantly, these studies have reported no major safety issues with TRE.

When combined with a Mediterranean diet (MedTRE), TRE also appears safe and practical. This combination might reduce heart health risks more effectively than TRE alone. Again, studies have reported no significant safety problems for MedTRE.

Researchers are excited about the time-restricted eating (TRE) approach during chemotherapy for breast cancer because it offers a novel way to potentially enhance treatment outcomes without introducing new drugs. Unlike the standard care that focuses on maintaining calorie and protein intake, TRE involves consuming all food within an 8-hour window each day, which may improve metabolism and reduce side effects. The MedTRE variation combines this timing strategy with a Mediterranean-style diet, known for its anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy benefits. By exploring these dietary strategies, researchers hope to find out if they can improve patients' overall well-being and response to chemotherapy in a simple, non-invasive way.

Research shows that time-restricted eating, a type of intermittent fasting, can enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy for breast cancer. In this trial, participants will follow different eating strategies. One group will practice time-restricted eating, consuming all meals within an 8-hour window. Another group will combine time-restricted eating with a Mediterranean diet, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Studies suggest that fasting might reduce treatment side effects and enhance chemotherapy's impact. Early findings indicate that when combined with a Mediterranean diet, it might improve heart health risks more than time-restricted eating alone. Animal studies also support the potential benefits of these eating habits during cancer treatment.¹²⁶⁷⁸