Fasting-induced metabolic reprogramming as a therapeutic vulnerability in cancer: a systematic mechanistic review of in vitro evidence.

In 30 seconds

This systematic review evaluated in vitro studies on fasting and fasting-mimicking interventions in cancer cell models. It found that fasting consistently reduced IGF-1 signaling and inhibited key metabolic pathways, leading to impaired cancer cell proliferation and increased sensitivity to chemotherapy. Eleven studies were included in the review.

Key findings

• Fasting conditions reduced IGF-1 signaling across diverse tumor types.
• Inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways was observed in fasting conditions.
• Nutrient restriction led to increased sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents.
• Fasting induced a coordinated metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells.

Why it matters

Understanding the metabolic vulnerabilities of cancer cells through fasting may enhance therapeutic strategies. This approach could potentially improve the efficacy of existing cancer treatments by exploiting the altered metabolic states of tumors.