Ketogenic diet as a treatment and prevention strategy for cancer: A therapeutic alternative

Cancer remains a significant global health problem, contributing substantially to morbidity and mortality rates. While traditional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are mainstays in cancer care, their efficacy as standalone modalities is often limited. Consequently, there is a growing interest in novel approaches that may enhance therapeutic outcomes. Over recent years, both preclinical and clinical investigations have highlighted the potential of the ketogenic diet as a complementary strategy in cancer treatment. The ketogenic diet, characterized by low carbohydrate, high fat, and moderate protein intake, has emerged as a promising avenue for augmenting the efficacy of conventional therapies by altering the metabolic dynamics of cancer cells. Research suggests that integrating the ketogenic diet with standard treatment protocols may enhance the anti-tumor effects of chemotherapy, improve treatment tolerability, and enhance overall quality of life. This review aims to elucidate the underlying mechanisms that drive the purported anti-cancer properties of the ketogenic diet. By inducing a metabolic state characterized by ketosis, the diet creates an unfavorable metabolic environment for cancerous cells, potentially hindering their growth and proliferation. Through a comprehensive analysis of preclinical and clinical data, this review aims to explain the therapeutic potential of the ketogenic diet as an adjunctive treatment strategy in cancer. Understanding the metabolic underpinnings of the ketogenic diet and its impact on tumor biology is essential for optimizing its clinical utility and informing treatment decisions. By exploring the synergistic interactions between the ketogenic diet and conventional therapies, clinicians and researchers may reveal new avenues for improving cancer care and outcomes.