Intermittent fasting (IF) has shown promising effects on tumor growth across various cancer types, though the impact can vary depending on the specific cancer and fasting protocol.

 Overview of how IF affects tumor growth in different cancers:

Breast Cancer

IF has demonstrated significant potential in reducing tumor growth and progression in breast cancer. It lowers insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, which are associated with cancer cell proliferation. This reduction in IGF-1 enhances the efficacy of breast cancer treatments by making cancer cells more susceptible to apoptosis1.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma

In hepatocellular carcinoma, IF has been shown to prime the tumor microenvironment, enhancing the delivery and effectiveness of nanomedicine. Fasting improved vascular normalization and increased the permeability of tumor blood vessels, allowing for more efficient delivery of therapeutic agents1.

Leukemia

IF has shown promising results in B cell and T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Through the regulation of the leptin receptor via the protein PR/SET domain 1 (PRDM1), fasting can suppress and potentially reverse the course of these types of leukemia4.

Colon and Prostate Cancer

IF has been associated with a reduction in IGF-1 levels, which is particularly relevant for colon and prostate cancers. Increased IGF-1 levels are attributed to these cancers due to suppressed apoptosis, boosted cell proliferation, and genetic instability4.