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Effects of a ketogenic diet on the quality of life in 16 patients with advanced cancer: A pilot trial.
Schmidt, M, Pfetzer, N, Schwab, M, Strauss, I, Kämmerer, U
Nutrition & metabolism. 2011;8(1):54
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Cancer cells process energy differently to normal cells. Cancer cells rely on glucose as a source of energy, whereas healthy cells can also use fatty acids and protein to make energy. Restricting the level of carbohydrates in the diet therefore could theoretically restrict the amount of energy available to cancer cells. This pilot study investigated the feasibility of a ketogenic diet (KD) and its influence on the quality of life of patients with advanced cancer. Sixteen patients with advanced metastatic tumours participated in the 12-week study. The patients followed a KD (less than 70 g carbohydrate per day) and were provided with a protein/fat shake to take as a snack in the morning and afternoon. Quality of life, blood and urine samples and general health parameters were assessed at baseline, and every two weeks of follow-up. Five patients completed the study. They reported improved emotional functioning and less insomnia, while several other parameters of quality of life remained stable or worsened, reflecting their very advanced disease. Except for temporary constipation and fatigue, there were no severe adverse side effects, and no changes in cholesterol or blood lipids. The authors concluded that a KD is suitable for even advanced cancer patients. It has no severe side effects and might improve aspects of quality of life and blood parameters in some patients with advanced metastatic tumours. However, to judge effects on quality of life or cancer progression, randomised studies with sufficient numbers of patients are needed.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor patients exhibit an increased peripheral demand of fatty acids and protein. Contrarily, tumors utilize glucose as their main source of energy supply. Thus, a diet supplying the cancer patient with sufficient fat and protein for his demands while restricting the carbohydrates (CHO) tumors thrive on, could be a helpful strategy in improving the patients' situation. A ketogenic diet (KD) fulfills these requirements. Therefore, we performed a pilot study to investigate the feasibility of a KD and its influence on the quality of life of patients with advanced metastatic tumors. METHODS Sixteen patients with advanced metastatic tumors and no conventional therapeutic options participated in the study. The patients were instructed to follow a KD (less than 70 g CHO per day) with normal groceries and were provided with a supply of food additives to mix a protein/fat shake to simplify the 3-month intervention period. Quality of life [assessed by EORTC QLQ-C30 (version 2)], serum and general health parameters were determined at baseline, after every two weeks of follow-up, or after drop out. The effect of dietary change on metabolism was monitored daily by measuring urinary ketone bodies. RESULTS One patient did not tolerate the diet and dropped out within 3 days. Among those who tolerated the diet, two patients died early, one stopped after 2 weeks due to personal reasons, one felt unable to stick to the diet after 4 weeks, one stopped after 6 and two stopped after 7 and 8 weeks due to progress of the disease, one had to discontinue after 6 weeks to resume chemotherapy and five completed the 3 month intervention period. These five and the one who resumed chemotherapy after 6 weeks report an improved emotional functioning and less insomnia, while several other parameters of quality of life remained stable or worsened, reflecting their very advanced disease. Except for temporary constipation and fatigue, we found no severe adverse side effects, especially no changes in cholesterol or blood lipids. CONCLUSIONS These pilot data suggest that a KD is suitable for even advanced cancer patients. It has no severe side effects and might improve aspects of quality of life and blood parameters in some patients with advanced metastatic tumors.