CN36 - Fasting in cancer patients during chemotherapy: A monocentric study

Background

Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is a religious ritual practiced by the majority of Muslims around the globe. This daytime fasting is short-term or intermittent fasting. Cancer patients under chemotherapy were advised to avoid fasting during chemotherapy. However, we have noticed that some cancer patients are fasting for a spiritual need. The aim of our study was to determine the percentage of cancer patients who are fasting and to assess its tolerance.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study including cancer patients treated with chemotherapy at the department of medical oncology in Habib Bourguiba university hospital. We questioned cancer patients receiving chemotherapy during April 2024. We determined the percentage of patients who fasted and we studied their tolerance.

Results

60 patients were included. The average age was 57±11.5 years. 60% were women. Colorectal cancer represented 66.7%, stomach cancer 10% and breast cancer 6.7%. It was a localized stage in 44.7% of cases. 53.3% of patients underwent surgery. The systemic treatment at the time of questioning was polychemotherapy in 93.6%. Targeted therapy was associated to chemotherapy in 3.3%. Chemotherapy were linked to a high and moderate incidence of nausea and vomiting in 20% and 40% respectively. The performance status was 1 in 90% and 2 in 10%. 53.3% fasted with an average duration of 18 days. The tolerance of fasting was poor in 43.7%. A postponement of chemotherapy was made in 31.25% compared to 7.14 in patients who did not fast (p=0.004). A decrease in clearance was observed in 12.5% versus 0% (p=0.001). 6.25% progressed after fasting versus 0% (p=0.02).

Conclusions

Our study concluded that fasting during chemotherapy is poorly tolerated, leading to a delay in chemotherapy, which may explain the possibility of disease progression.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

Habib Bourguiba Local Committee.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.