Is Ketogenic diet effective in patients with breast cancer?

Breast cancer, a complex disease influenced by numerous factors, is increasingly linked to dietary habits. The ketogenic diet (KD), characterized by high fat and low carbohydrate intake, has piqued interest as a potential therapeutic approach. A recent review published in Nutrients Journal shed light on the potential role of KD in breast cancer management.

This comprehensive literature review focused on both preclinical and clinical studies, with a key emphasis on how the KD affects breast cancer cells metabolically and its role in current clinical trials. The studies yielded a range of findings: some suggest the KD may inhibit tumor growth and enhance treatment response. 

The findings from these studies suggest that the KD could inhibit tumor growth and enhance treatment response. However, there's a significant gap in well-structured clinical trials providing conclusive evidence of the KD's efficacy as a standalone treatment for breast cancer. Safety concerns also persist, particularly regarding the long-term effects of sustained ketosis in cancer patients.

The therapeutic potential of the KD in breast cancer remains a subject of active research and debate. While initial results are promising, inconsistent outcomes and limited human trial data hinder definitive conclusions.

Therefore, the call is for future research, especially large-scale, rigorously designed clinical trials, to offer a more comprehensive understanding of the KD's role in breast cancer treatment. Until this happens, caution should prevail in its application, and patients are advised to continue prioritizing evidence-based, standard-of-care treatments.

The link between diet and breast cancer is a critical area of study, and the KD could hold promise. However, with much still unknown, prudence in decision-making remains essential in the realm of breast cancer treatment.

Source:

Urzì, A. G., Tropea, E., Gattuso, G., Spoto, G., Marsala, G., Calina, D., Libra, M., & Falzone, L. (2023). Ketogenic Diet and Breast Cancer: Recent Findings and Therapeutic Approaches. In Nutrients (Vol. 15, Issue 20, p. 4357). MDPI AG. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15204357