Estudo piloto para avaliar viabilidade e segurança da restrição calórica assistida (FMD) em pacientes portadores de neoplasias hematológicas

Abstract

Introduction: Diet, sedentary lifestyle, and overall lifestyle are among the primary risk factors for cancer and remain a longstanding challenge in scientific research. Adverse effects of oncological treatments are often due to their lack of specificity, affecting both tumor and normal cells. The Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD), characterized by low calorie, low protein, and moderate-to-high unsaturated fat content, has gained attention. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, applicability, and safety of FMD combined with chemotherapy in patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Methodology: This non-randomized experimental clinical study assessed anthropometric data, toxicity, and laboratory parameters in patients diagnosed with myelodysplastic and other hematologic neoplasms. Results: Twenty-one patients participated (mean age: 68±14 years), with 12 undergoing the FMD. A significant reduction in body weight and BMI was observed over the treatment cycles. Hematological markers showed no significant change pre- and post-chemotherapy. Mild diarrhea increased in cycle 3 (p = 0.046), while constipation severity decreased significantly (p = 0.014). Conclusion: FMD appears to be a feasible intervention for patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome and warrants further evaluation in Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials.