Strahlentherapie und Onkologie : Organ der Deutschen Rontgengesellschaft ... [et al]. 2022;198(11):981-993
Plain language summary
Head and neck cancer (HNC) describes cancers originating from the lip, oral and nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, pharynx, larynx, and trachea. Patients with HNC frequently present with feeding difficulties and malnutrition, which are often further aggravated by tobacco and alcohol abuse and a general unhealthy lifestyle. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a ketogenic diet (KD) versus an unspecified standard diet (SD) on body composition and survival in HNC patients undergoing radio(chemo)therapy. This study is a controlled clinical trial. Results show that an individualized KD supplemented with essential amino acids consumed during curative radio(chemo)therapy of HNC patients was able to slow down the negative consequences of therapy on body composition to some extent. Authors conclude that further research of KDs in frail cancer patient populations is required which may help to motivate their implementation as complementary therapies for select patients.