Diet as an Adjunct Therapy in Reducing Chemotherapy Toxicities and Improving Patients Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 39665487 · doi:10.1080/01635581.2024.2437833
What was done
Authors searched PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase through October 2023 for randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of specific dietary regimens on chemotherapy toxicities and quality of life in cancer patients. Out of 1,419 screened records, 11 trials were included: 7 evaluating fasting variations, 1 ketogenic diet, 1 Mediterranean diet, 1 plant-based high-protein diet, and 1 anti-inflammatory diet. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed using STATA on four fasting trials to calculate pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.
What was found
The meta-analysis of 4 fasting trials showed no statistically significant difference in the incidence of chemotherapy toxicities between fasting and non-fasting patients. Specific numerical pooled odds ratios and confidence intervals were not reported in the abstract. The qualitative evaluation of all 11 trials concluded there is insufficient evidence to determine which specific dietary pattern is most advantageous for reducing chemotherapy toxicities or improving quality of life.
Why it matters
This review synthesizes clinical trial evidence regarding nutritional interventions during chemotherapy, finding that current randomized trial data do not support fasting as a proven method to reduce toxicity. It highlights the gap between preclinical enthusiasm for fasting or specialized diets and the actual clinical evidence base in oncology patients.
Limits
The abstract omits exact point estimates, odds ratios, and confidence intervals for the meta-analysis and does not state total participant numbers. Non-fasting dietary interventions were limited to a single trial each, precluding quantitative synthesis for ketogenic, Mediterranean, anti-inflammatory, or plant-based diets. Chemotherapy regimens, cancer types, and specific toxicity grades were not detailed in the abstract.
Cited by
- contradicts Fasting before or after chemotherapy reduces side effects.