Abstract

Afrin Shajahan MD* and Amal Abdul Hassan MBBS

ABSTRACT

Cancer remains a leading motive of morbidity and mortality globally, with chemotherapy being a number one remedy modality. Despite its effectiveness in targeting malignant cells, chemotherapy regularly has intense consequences, toxicity to healthy tissues, and the improvement of drug resistance. In recent years, intermittent fasting (IF) has received interest as a capability method to beautify chemotherapy results whilst mitigating its destructive effects. IF affects diverse biological tactics, inclusive of metabolic reprogramming, oxidative strain discount, immune modulation, and autophagy activation. These mechanisms now not simplest boost the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents however additionally shield normal cells from remedy-associated harm. Additionally, IF may enhance affected person metabolic profiles and decrease systemic irritation, contributing to improved treatment tolerance and effects. This narrative review gives an in-intensity exploration of the current evidence at the position of IF in chemotherapy, examines the underlying organic mechanisms, and discusses capacity, clinical packages, obstacles, and future research directions.