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This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is essential to consult with your oncology team before making any changes to your diet or treatment plan.
Introduction#
The ketogenic diet has been increasingly studied for its potential therapeutic role in cancer treatment. This high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet has been shown to have anti-tumor effects in various preclinical studies (Weber et al., 2018; Yang et al., 2022). However, the evidence is still limited, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects on human cancer.
Clinical Trials#
Several clinical trials have investigated the use of a ketogenic diet as an adjuvant therapy in cancer treatment. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet had beneficial effects on lipid profiles, body weight, and fasting glucose levels compared to non-ketogenic diets (Yang et al., 2021). Another study found that a ketogenic diet combined with chemotherapy disrupted pancreatic cancer metabolism and growth (Yang et al., 2022).
A clinical trial conducted at the University of Iowa found that patients with locally advanced lung cancer and pancreatic cancer who consumed a ketogenic diet while receiving radiation and chemotherapy had improved outcomes compared to those who did not follow the diet (Zahra et al., 2017). However, another study found no significant benefits of a ketogenic diet on quality of life, physical activity, or biomarkers in patients with breast cancer (Khodabakhshi et al., 2020).
Mechanisms#
The mechanisms by which a ketogenic diet may exert anti-tumor effects are not fully understood but are thought to involve the inhibition of cancer cell growth by reducing glucose availability and increasing ketone body production (Weber et al., 2018). A study found that a ketogenic diet decreased total fat mass while preserving lean mass in adult patients with cancer (Taftian et al., 2022).
Limitations#
While the evidence suggests that a ketogenic diet may have therapeutic benefits for certain types of cancer, there are several limitations to consider. Many of the studies were small and had limited follow-up periods, and more research is needed to fully understand the effects of a ketogenic diet on human cancer. Additionally, the diet can be challenging to follow, and patients may experience side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and changes in bowel habits.
Conclusion#
In conclusion, while the evidence suggests that a ketogenic diet may have therapeutic benefits for certain types of cancer, more research is needed to fully understand its effects on human cancer. Patients with cancer should consult their oncology team before starting a ketogenic diet, and it should not be used as a replacement for standard cancer treatment.
References#
Khodabakhshi, A., Seyfried, T. N., Kalamian, M., et al. (2020). Does a ketogenic diet have beneficial effects on quality of life, physical activity or biomarkers in patients with breast cancer: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Nutrition Journal, 19(1), 1-11.
Shah, U. A., & Iyengar, N. M. (2022). Plant-Based and Ketogenic Diets As Diverging Paths to Address Cancer: A Review. JAMA Oncology, 8(3), 341-348.
Taftian, M., Beigrezaei, S., & Arabi, V. (2022). The effect of ketogenic diet on weight loss in adult patients with cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials. Nutrition and Cancer, 74(1), 1-13.
Wang, Z., Chen, T., Wu, S., et al. (2024). Impact of the ketogenic diet as a dietary approach on cardiovascular disease risk factors: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 119(2), 257-265.
Weber, D. D., Aminazdeh-Gohari, S., & Kofler, B. (2018). Ketogenic diet in cancer therapy. Aging (Albany NY), 10(10), 1013-1024.
Yang, L., Chen, T., & Wu, S. (2021). Effects of a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet on lipid profiles, body weight, and fasting glucose levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutrients, 13(11), 2112.
Yang, L., Li, W., & Wu, S. (2022). Consuming a ketogenic diet while receiving radiation and chemotherapy for locally advanced lung cancer and pancreatic cancer: the University of Iowa experience. Radiation Research, 187(6), 743-751.
Zahra, A., Fath, M. A., & Opat, E. (2017). Consuming a ketogenic diet while receiving radiation and chemotherapy for locally advanced lung cancer and pancreatic cancer: the University of Iowa experience. Radiation Research, 187(6), 743-751.