A straightforward adjustment to when women eat, rather than what they eat, may help improve outcomes for those with endometrial cancer (EC), according to a press release published recently by researchers at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
The team is studying whether a prolonged overnight fast can support better metabolism, steadier blood sugar and improved quality of life before and after surgery. Patients may feel the effect through greater control over their daily health and potentially smoother recovery.
Diagnoses of EC continue to rise in the United States, with obesity and metabolic problems fueling much of the increase. Nearly 68,000 women each year learn they have the disease, which affects the lining of the uterus. Researchers say that because weight and metabolic health play such a major role, lifestyle changes may become an important part of treatment.
To address that need, Tracy Crane, Ph.D., RDN, and Matthew Schlumbrecht, M.D., M.P.H., launched the FIT-ENDO clinical trial. The study asked women to stop eating by 8:00 p.m. and fast for at least 12 hours each night, eventually stretching to 14 hours. This timing follows the body’s natural day-night cycles, which may help reduce cancer-promoting hormones and stabilize insulin levels.
Read more about helpful links and resources for EC
“Emerging evidence shows that meal timing can impact metabolism, hormone levels and even tumor growth,” said Dr. Schlumbrecht. “By guiding patients through a fasting routine before surgery, we hope to see improvements in metabolic markers and quality of life.”
The study is enrolling 42 women preparing for surgery at Sylvester, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Jupiter Medical Center and Advent Health in Orlando. Participants are randomly placed either in the fasting group or in a standard-care group that receives educational materials. Researchers will measure blood sugar, insulin and hundreds of metabolites, and they will ask patients about sleep, energy and daily well-being so the team can understand real-world effects.
Physicians, scientists and trainees are working together to run the trial, support participants and analyze blood and tissue samples. The study uses telehealth coaching, continuous glucose monitors and activity trackers, and materials are available in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole so all participants can follow the plan comfortably.
Backed by a $557,637 award from the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, the project is part of a statewide push to support fast-moving research that can improve patient care. If the approach proves helpful, the team hopes it will lead to larger trials and eventually clear guidance on how meal timing can be used alongside standard cancer treatment.
Sign up here to get the latest news, perspectives, and information about EC sent directly to your inbox. Registration is free and only takes a minute.
