Conversations in Oncology: Dr. Levy Interviews Dr. Longo on Fasting and Cancer

In this powerful and wide-ranging interview, world-renowned longevity and fasting expert Dr. Longo shares groundbreaking insights into the use of Fasting Mimicking Diets (FMD) for cancer treatment, longevity, and chronic disease prevention. Dr. Longo explores the intersection of nutritional science, molecular biology, and oncology, challenging traditional views on how we treat illness. While many oncologists focus on adding supplements and nutrients for cancer patients, Dr. Longo takes a radically different approach—using strategic nutrient restriction and fasting cycles to differentiate cancer cells from normal cells, enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy, and improve outcomes with minimal side effects. Dr. Longo discusses the origins of his work at Biosphere 2 with Dr. Roy Walford, where he observed both the promise and limitations of calorie restriction, leading to his development of the FMD: a plant-based, five-day diet designed to mimic the benefits of fasting while preserving gut integrity and patient comfort. He shares compelling preclinical and clinical data showing FMD’s ability to shrink and regenerate organs, activate stem cells, reduce inflammation, and make patients biologically younger. FMD has shown promising results in over 45 clinical trials, including enhanced survival in patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer and improvements in conditions like diabetes, prediabetes, obesity, and kidney function. Dr. Longo emphasizes that this isn't about dieting in the traditional sense, but rather using food as medicine—a field he believes could revolutionize healthcare. His nonprofit foundation, Create Cures, based in Los Angeles and Italy, works with thousands of patients through integrated, evidence-based programs that combine FMD with standard cancer therapies, exercise, muscle mass preservation, and mental health support. With independent university-run trials and no personal profit from his books or company, Dr. Longo is on a mission to shift both medical practice and public perception. He shares hopeful stories of patients with advanced cancers going into unexpected remission, highlighting the potential for better outcomes when standard therapies are paired with nutritional interventions like FMD. Whether you're a cancer patient, physician, or someone interested in longevity, preventive medicine, autophagy, stem cell regeneration, fasting, or the science behind plant-based nutrition, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Dr. Longo calls for a healthcare revolution—one that moves away from overreliance on drugs and surgery and embraces a more sustainable, systems-based approach to living “110 healthy.” If you’re looking to learn how fasting, longevity diets, and molecular nutrition can transform treatment and recovery, this is an interview you don’t want to miss. Learn more about cancer, cancer treatment, causes of cancer and more on our website at https://www.learntobeatcancer.org/