Milly Gaines
The ketogenic diet has been a topic of interest for cancer patients and researchers alike, exploring whether its high-fat and very low-carbohydrate nature can help fight cancer. While some studies suggest that a ketogenic diet may reduce tumour size and enhance the effects of traditional cancer treatments, others indicate potential downsides and adverse effects, such as cachexia, a lethal wasting disease. As such, the overall effectiveness of ketogenic diets in cancer treatment remains uncertain, with ongoing clinical trials aiming to provide more definitive insights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cancer treatment | May help enhance the effects of traditional cancer treatments |
| Cancer prevention | May help reduce the risk of cancer |
| Tumor size | May help reduce tumor size |
| Tumor progression rate | May help slow down the progression of certain cancers |
| Cancer types | Glioblastomas, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, rectal cancer, astrocytoma |
| Side effects | May cause cachexia, a lethal wasting disease |
| Downsides | May have downsides for people receiving ongoing cancer treatment |
| Research | Limited research available, more research is needed |
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What You'll Learn
Ketogenic diets may help prevent weight gain during chemotherapy
The ketogenic diet is a very high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that forces the body to burn fat instead of carbohydrates for fuel. While the ketogenic diet has been proposed as a potential treatment for cancer, the evidence for its effectiveness is mixed, and it may have negative side effects for some patients.
Some studies have suggested that a ketogenic diet may help to reduce weight gain during chemotherapy. For example, research on mice and small trials on humans have indicated that a keto diet may help prevent weight gain during and after chemotherapy for breast cancer. This is because extra weight increases the chance that tumors may return. However, it is important to note that there have not yet been any large studies in humans to definitively determine whether and how keto diets work against cancer.
The ketogenic diet may also enhance the effects of traditional cancer treatments. For instance, a 2018 study found that following a ketogenic diet for 12 weeks significantly increased the physical function of women with ovarian or endometrial cancer. Additionally, a 2020 study of 81 people found that a ketogenic diet improved body composition, leading to reduced fat mass in people with rectal or breast cancer and preserved skeletal muscle mass.
Furthermore, the ketogenic diet may help to reduce tumor size and slow the progression of certain cancers. A 2010 case study found that a 65-year-old woman who followed a very low-calorie ketogenic diet after surgery for a glioblastoma experienced a significant increase in tumor growth after resuming a regular diet. Similarly, a 2024 study found that a ketogenic diet enhanced the effects of an experimental anti-cancer drug and starved pancreatic tumors in mice.
However, it is important to note that the ketogenic diet may not be suitable for all cancer patients and could potentially cause harm. For example, a high-fat diet has been associated with poorer long-term outcomes for some cancers, including breast cancer. Additionally, some diets claiming to be ketogenic may include harmful amounts of fat or allow fats from highly processed foods. Therefore, it is crucial for patients to discuss all treatment options with their healthcare team before making any significant dietary changes.
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Combining keto with chemotherapy may improve outcomes
While the ketogenic diet is a popular weight-loss strategy, there is emerging evidence that it may also have a role in cancer treatment. The ketogenic diet is a very high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that forces the body to burn fat, rather than carbohydrates, for energy. This metabolic state, known as ketosis, may have benefits in cancer therapy, particularly when combined with standard treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Enhancing Standard Therapies
The ketogenic diet has been studied as a potential adjunct to traditional cancer treatments. In mice with pancreatic cancer, a ketogenic diet was found to enhance the effects of an experimental anti-cancer drug, leading to tumour starvation and reduced growth. Similarly, in a 2010 case study, a 65-year-old woman with glioblastoma showed improved tumour control when a ketogenic diet was combined with standard therapy. Additionally, in two girls undergoing treatment for advanced brain cancer, a ketogenic diet resulted in decreased glucose uptake by their tumours. These findings suggest that the ketogenic diet may improve the effectiveness of standard cancer treatments.
Improving Physical Function
The ketogenic diet has also been found to improve physical function in cancer patients. A 2018 randomized controlled trial showed that women with ovarian or endometrial cancer who followed a ketogenic diet for 12 weeks experienced improved physical function, such as climbing stairs or moving a table. This suggests that the ketogenic diet may help cancer patients maintain their independence and quality of life during treatment.
Reducing Weight Gain During Treatment
Breast cancer patients often experience weight gain during and after chemotherapy, which can increase the risk of tumour recurrence. The ketogenic diet may help prevent this weight gain by reducing fat mass and preserving skeletal muscle mass. This dual effect of the diet could potentially improve treatment outcomes and long-term health for breast cancer patients.
Ongoing Research
While the potential benefits of combining the ketogenic diet with chemotherapy are promising, more research is needed. Studies have shown mixed results, and the ideal ratio of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins in the diet for cancer treatment is still unknown. Additionally, the ketogenic diet may have unintended negative consequences, such as accelerating cachexia, a deadly wasting disease associated with progressive cancer. Therefore, further research is necessary to fully understand the role of the ketogenic diet in cancer treatment and to optimize its potential benefits.
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Keto may reduce tumour size and progression
While the ketogenic diet has been hailed as the latest weapon against cancer, the research is mixed, and it may have downsides for people receiving ongoing treatment. The diet involves consuming high-fat, low-carbohydrate meals, which trick the body into burning its own fat. This reduction in carbohydrates and blood sugar may help starve cancer cells of the glucose they need to grow, thereby reducing tumour size and progression.
A 2010 case study published the first research on the effects of treating a glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumour, with a combination of standard therapy and a restricted ketogenic diet. The patient, a 65-year-old woman, followed a very low-calorie ketogenic diet after surgery. Two girls undergoing treatment for advanced brain cancer were also examined in a similar case report from 1995. Researchers found that glucose uptake was decreased in the tumours of both girls.
In 2018, a study found that the ketogenic diet may help enhance the effects of traditional cancer treatments. The study showed that following a ketogenic diet for 12 weeks significantly increased the physical function of women with ovarian or endometrial cancer. The ketogenic diet may also improve the body composition of people with cancer. A 2020 study of 81 people observed benefits such as reduced fat mass in people with rectal or breast cancer and preserved skeletal muscle mass.
However, it is important to note that the research on the ketogenic diet and cancer is still emerging, and there have not been any large studies in humans yet. While the diet may have potential benefits, it is not a substitute for conventional medical treatment. Furthermore, in mice with pancreatic and colorectal cancer, the keto diet accelerated a lethal wasting disease called cachexia, which contributed to extreme weight loss and immune suppression. Therefore, while the ketogenic diet may hold promise in reducing tumour size and progression, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential downsides.
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Keto may change gene expression, controlling cell behaviour
The ketogenic diet is a very high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that forces the body to burn fat, not carbohydrates, for fuel. While the diet has been shown to be effective in the treatment of epilepsy, its potential benefits in cancer treatment are still being explored.
Some studies suggest that a ketogenic diet may help in cancer treatment by starving cancer cells of the glucose they need to grow. However, research on mice has also shown that the keto diet can accelerate cachexia, a lethal wasting disease that causes extreme weight loss, fatigue, and immune suppression.
Despite the potential risks, researchers continue to explore the potential benefits of the keto diet in cancer treatment. One area of interest is the impact of the keto diet on gene expression and cell behaviour. It is believed that the keto diet may change the expression of certain genes, which in turn controls the way cells behave.
For example, a study on mice found that when they were placed on a ketogenic diet, a protein called P-eIF4E triggered a shift to using fat for energy. This suggests that the keto diet may impact the way cells process fats for energy, which could have implications for cancer treatment by starving cancer cells of their energy source.
While the potential benefits of the keto diet in cancer treatment are intriguing, more research is needed to fully understand its effects. It is important to note that cancer is a complex disease that varies widely between individuals, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. Additionally, the keto diet may not be suitable for all cancer patients, and it should always be discussed with a healthcare team before being implemented as a treatment strategy.
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Plant-based diets may be better than keto for cancer risk
The ketogenic diet, or keto, is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate meal plan that can help people lose weight. Some sources suggest that keto may help fight cancer by starving tumors of the glucose they need to grow. However, research on mice has shown that keto can accelerate cachexia, a lethal wasting disease that causes extreme weight loss and immune suppression.
Plant-based diets, on the other hand, have been consistently associated with reduced cancer incidence and are recommended by dietary guidelines for cancer prevention. Whole food, plant-based diets are rich in fiber, phytochemicals, and butyrate, and have been linked to decreased insulin-like growth factor 1 levels, which may contribute to their cancer-protective effects.
While keto may play a role in cancer prevention or treatment, the research is still emerging, and there are concerns about its potential downsides for people undergoing cancer treatment. In contrast, plant-based diets have been shown to improve health after cancer treatment and are supported by a growing body of scientific research.
For example, a 2018 study found that the ketogenic diet may enhance the effects of traditional cancer treatments and improve physical function in women with ovarian or endometrial cancer. However, it is important to note that the ketogenic diet made one type of blood cancer worse in a mouse study, and it is not recommended for women who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.
Overall, while both diets have proven effective for weight loss, the current evidence suggests that a plant-based diet is superior to keto for reducing cancer risk and improving health after cancer treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
A ketogenic diet is a very high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that forces the body to burn fat, not carbohydrates, for fuel.
A ketogenic diet may help fight a variety of cancers by starving tumors of the glucose they need to grow. Studies have shown that a ketogenic diet may reduce tumor size and the progression rate of certain cancers.
Research suggests that a ketogenic diet may have a deadly, unintended side effect for cancer patients. In mice with pancreatic and colorectal cancer, a keto diet accelerated a lethal wasting disease called cachexia, which causes loss of appetite, extreme weight loss, fatigue, and immune suppression.
Researchers are unsure of the effectiveness of a ketogenic diet for cancer patients. While some studies have shown positive results, there is mixed research on the topic, and more studies are needed.
