The Ketogenic Diet: Considerations for Cancer Survivorship

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nutritional Science
• Dietary Interventions

Background:

• Growing patient interest in ketogenic diets (KD) for cancer care.
• Current research on KD in oncology is limited and heterogeneous.
• Lack of high-quality evidence hinders definitive conclusions on KD's role.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate current ketogenic diet (KD) practices in adult oncology.
• Assess KD's feasibility and impact on quality of life.
• Discuss implications for dietetic practice in cancer care.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of publications focusing on adult oncology populations.
• Emphasis on studies published within the last five years.
• Analysis of feasibility, quality of life, and dietetic implications.

Main Results:

• Paucity of randomized prospective trials identified.
• Heterogeneous nature of existing studies limits definitive conclusions.
• Patients with cancer express significant interest in ketogenic diets.

Conclusions:

• More rigorous, well-designed randomized control trials are essential.
• Registered dietitians experienced in KD are crucial for patient safety and nutritional support.
• Further research is needed to clarify KD's potential benefits in cancer care and survivorship.