The Role of Intermittent Fasting in the Activation of Autophagy Processes in the Context of Cancer Diseases - Review

Sep 23, 2026

Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary approach that modulates metabolic signaling pathways, notably autophagy, a key mechanism for cellular homeostasis. Autophagy influences cancer outcomes in a dual manner: it can restrain tumor development and also promote tumor cell survival under metabolic stress. Evidence suggests IF may lower cancer risk and improve therapeutic responses by sensitizing tumors to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Outcomes, however, vary by cancer type and stage, while risks such as excessive weight loss and malnutrition require careful assessment. Further clinical studies are needed to refine IF protocols as adjuncts to cancer therapy.

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CategoryHealthcare

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Reading Time45 min

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Introduction

Autophagy—Key Mechanism of Cellular Homeostasis

Review The Role of Intermittent Fasting in the Activation of Autophagy Processes in the Context of Cancer Diseases Waleria Wolska 1,2, Izabela Gutowska 1,*, Agata Wszołek 3 and Wojciech Z˙wierełło 1 Academic Editor: Alain Couvineau Received: 27 April 2025 Revised: 12 May 2025 Accepted: 13 May 2025 Published: 15 May 2025 Citation: Wolska, W.; Gutowska, I.; Wszołek, A.; Z˙ wierełło, W. The Role of Intermittent Fasting in the Activation of Autophagy Processes in the Context of Cancer Diseases. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26, 4742. [https://doi.org/](https://doi.org/)[ ](https://doi.org/)[10.3390/ijms26104742](10.3390/ijms26104742) Copyright: © 2025 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license ([https://creativecommons.org/](https://creativecommons.org/)[ ](https://creativecommons.org/)[licenses/by/4.0/](licenses/by/4.0/)) . 1 Department of Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powsta ´nców Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; [volskayv@gmail.com](volskayv@gmail.com) (W.W.); [wojciech.zwierello@pum.edu.pl](wojciech.zwierello@pum.edu.pl) (W.Z˙ .) 2 Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Erling Skjalgssons gate 1, 7030 Trondheim, Norway 3 Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Wa˛ska 13, 71-415 Szczecin, Poland; [agata.wszolek@usz.edu.pl](agata.wszolek@usz.edu.pl) * Correspondence: [izabela.gutowska@pum.edu.pl](izabela.gutowska@pum.edu.pl) Abstract: Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary approach that influences key metabolic pathways, including autophagy—a crucial mechanism in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Autophagy plays a dual role in oncogenesis, acting both as a tumor suppressor and a survival mechanism under metabolic stress. IF has shown potential for reducing cancer risk and enhancing therapeutic efficacy by sensitizing tumor cells to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, its effects depend heavily on the type and stage of cancer. Potential risks, such as excessive weight loss and malnutrition, require careful evaluation. Further clinical studies are needed to optimize IF protocols as adjuncts to cancer therapy. This review discusses autophagy mechanisms induced by IF, their therapeutic implications in oncology, and the limitations of this dietary strategy. Keywords: autophagy; cancer; diets; calorie restriction; intermittent fasting 1. Introduction Cancer continues to be one of the most pressing global health and socio-economic challenges. In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported over 19 million new cancer cases and nearly 10 million cancer-related deaths, making it the second leading cause of death worldwide. Alarmingly, projections indicate that the incidence of cancer will increase by over 70% by 2050, driven primarily by aging populations, lifestyle changes, and environmental factors. In low-and middle-income countries, limited access to diagnostic tools and treatment options worsens survival disparities, while in high-income countries, cancer continues to place an escalating burden on healthcare systems. International initiatives like the United States’ Cancer Moonshot and Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan focus on prevention, early detection, and the development of more effective therapies, highlighting the pivotal role of scientific research in the fight against cancer [1,2] . On a global scale, the increasing incidence of malignant tumors necessitates the search for innovative therapeutic strategies based on a precise understanding of the molecular processes underlying neoplastic transformation [3] . A deeper understanding of cancer biology—particularly the roles of autophagy and metabolic dysregulation—is critical for identifying new therapeutic targets and improving treatment outcomes. Autophagy, as an intracellular recycling process, plays an ambi

FAQs

How does intermittent fasting affect autophagy in cancer-related conditions?

Intermittent fasting modulates metabolic pathways that activate autophagy, a cellular recycling process involved in maintaining homeostasis. The review connects IF-driven autophagy activation to potential therapeutic effects in oncology.

What dual role does autophagy play in oncogenesis?

Autophagy can act as a tumor suppressor, while in other contexts it supports cancer cell survival under metabolic stress. The overall impact depends on the cellular and therapeutic context.

Why do IF benefits differ across cancer types and stages?

The document states that IF effects depend heavily on the type and stage of cancer. This variability influences both therapeutic efficacy and risk considerations.

Sep 23, 2026

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