Short-term Water-only Fasting prior to chemotherapy Trial (SWiFT)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Randomised Controlled Feasibility Trial of Water-only Fasting Prior to CAPOX chemotherapy for Stage 2/3 Colorectal Cancer
IRAS ID
248635
Contact name
Claire Perks
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN17994717
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 29 days
Research summary
During times of fasting, the body’s healthy cells can switch from a state of growth and development to a state of maintenance and repair. However, cancer is a disease of uncontrolled cell growth and genetic changes in tumour cells mean that these cells can continue to grow, even when nutrients are scarce. This difference between normal and tumour cells, has been used in animal models, to help convert healthy cells to a protective state and protect against side effects of chemotherapy. However, few trials have been conducted with human participants. Two trials have found that fasting up to 72 hours may be safe and feasible. Neither of these trials were in people with colorectal cancer. This trial will test the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial of a 36 hour short-term fast in people receiving capecitabine and oxaliplatin chemotherapy (CAPOX) for stage 2 or 3 colorectal cancer.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/SW/0254
Date of REC Opinion
8 Jan 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion