Ketogenic Diet in Cancer Prevention and Therapy: Molecular Targets and Therapeutic Opportunities

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nutritional Science
• Metabolic Medicine

Background:

• Cancer remains a major global health challenge, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
• Standard cancer treatments can be enhanced by complementary approaches, including dietary interventions.
• The ketogenic diet (KD) is emerging as a metabolic therapy targeting cancer cell metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms underlying the ketogenic diet's potential antitumor effects.
• To explore the KD as an adjuvant therapy in cancer treatment.
• To provide a foundation for developing combination therapies involving KD and conventional treatments.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating the ketogenic diet in cancer.
• Analysis of the metabolic mechanisms of KD concerning cancer cell energy supply.
• Evaluation of KD's potential to create an unfavorable environment for tumor growth.

Main Results:

• The ketogenic diet (KD) is characterized by high fat, very low carbohydrate, and adequate protein intake.
• KD demonstrates antitumor effects by reducing energy substrates available to cancer cells.
• This metabolic shift inhibits tumor growth and proliferation.

Conclusions:

• The ketogenic diet exhibits potential antitumor effects through metabolic manipulation.
• KD may serve as a promising adjuvant therapy to enhance conventional cancer treatments.
• Further research can guide the integration of KD into combination cancer therapies.