Purpose: A pilot non-randomised controlled trial to examine the efficacy and the effects on the immune system of a fasting mimicking diet and a supervised exercise program in patients with breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant treatment.
Inclusion criteria:
- Women aged 18 years and older, diagnosed with breast cancer and scheduled for neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
- Having a body mass index (BMI) lower than 19 kg/m2;
- Having impaired gastrointestinal function that may alter the digestion and absorption of nutrients (e.g., uncontrolled nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea);
- Taking medication that can cause hypoglycemia (e.g., insulin for diabetes);
- Having malnutrition (unintentional weight loss of >5% in the last 6 months);
Exclusion criteria:
- Having an uncontrolled medical condition (other than cancer);
- Inability to read or understand English;
- Being pregnant or breastfeeding;
- Having undertaken 300 min or more of exercise per week in the previous month prior to inclusion in the study;
- Having an acute illness or musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, or neurological disorder that could inhibit exercise participation.