Potential preventive effects of time-restricted eating on cancer

Abstract

Intermittent fasting is a novel dietary intervention that has been demonstrated to improve the efficacy of cancer therapy and reduce complications. Time-restricted eating is a specific form of intermittent fasting. It usually restricts only the daily eating window and not the amount of calories consumed. In addition to providing a means for weight management and improving metabolism like other intermittent fasting methods, time-restricted eating also synchronizes circadian rhythms and affects autophagy levels, which has potential antiaging effects. Some studies have shown that time-restricted eating can prevent tumorigenesis and slow tumor progression. Moreover, because of its simplicity and mild adverse effects, time-restricted eating is safe and has a high rate of compliance. It may be used an adjuvant therapy and may be part of a healthy lifestyle suitable for long term by cancer patients or those at high risk of developing specific cancers. This article expounds on the potential impact of time-restricted eating on the prevention and treatment of cancer, as well as the potential mechanism(s) of action. There are 3 main aspects considered to be impacted by time-restricted eating: improving obesity and metabolic disorders, synchronizing the circadian rhythm, and upregulating autophagy. We herein present the current research progress related to the effects of time-restricted eating on malignant tumors. The purpose of this review is to provide a theoretical basis and direction for future research to explore the potential of time-restricted eating as a nutritional intervention to prevent the occurrence of cancer and as a treatment or adjuvant therapy for cancer. We believe that this approach may be conducive to improving the nutritional status of cancer patients and improving their prognosis and quality of life.