Actively Recruiting
The Impact of Alternate Day Fasting After Surgery for Patients Undergoing ChemoTherapy (FAST Study)
Led by Northwestern University · Updated on 2026-03-24
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer in women, and ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest. Both advanced uterine and ovarian cancers are usually treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Standard chemotherapy treatments, such as carboplatin and paclitaxel, can cause severe side effects that greatly affect patients' quality of life. This research aims to study the impact of alternate day fasting on reducing chemotherapy side effects and improving quality of life for women undergoing first-line treatment for these cancers. Participants will be assigned to one of two groups: the FAST intervention group or a control group. The FAST group will follow a modified alternate day fasting schedule during chemotherapy cycles, fasting for two consecutive days around chemotherapy administration and eating normally on other days, for a total of six weeks. The control group will eat as usual without dietary restrictions throughout their chemotherapy treatment. The study focuses on short-term fasting to minimize weight loss while potentially reducing toxic side effects. During the 18-week study period, participants will be monitored for their compliance with the fasting and treatment plans, side effects, neuropathic pain, and physical function. Surveys will be completed online, and participants will use smartphones to assist with data collection. Researchers will evaluate how well participants adhere to the regimen and record any adverse events or toxicity. This study will help inform future research on dietary interventions during chemotherapy for gynecologic cancers.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Alternate Day Fasting After Surgery for Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Female, 18 years of age or older
- Confirmed or high suspicion of endometrial, ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer
- Able and expecting to undergo adjuvant chemotherapy after hysterectomy
- Fluent in spoken and written English
- Own a smartphone
- Have internet access to complete surveys
- ECOG performance status of 0 or 1
- Willing to sign informed consent form
You will not qualify if you...
- Not planning to undergo chemotherapy at Northwestern Medicine
- Engaged in shift work (e.g., night or third shift)
- Body mass index (BMI) of 50 or higher or diagnosed eating disorder
- Taking medications for blood glucose regulation or therapeutic doses of anticoagulants
- Diagnosed with medication-dependent diabetes, recent heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolus, or renal failure
- Conditions precluding ability to tolerate short-term fasting
- Taking medications affected by fasting requiring monitoring
- Lack of oncologist clearance for participation
- Unable or unwilling to follow diet regimen or participate in ketone measurements
- ECOG performance status greater than 1
- Received systemic therapy for malignancy within the last 2 years
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Approximately 18 weeks
Participants undergo chemotherapy treatment cycles and follow the alternate day fasting (ADF) regimen for one week surrounding the start of each chemotherapy cycle, alternating fasting days with unrestricted eating days.
1 visit per chemotherapy cycle (6 cycles total)
Duration - Up to 18 weeks after treatment
Participants are monitored for adverse events, neuropathic pain, and physical function following completion of chemotherapy and fasting interventions.
Visits as scheduled for assessments
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60611
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Anne Grace, PhD
J
Juan Avitia, BS
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here