Modified Atkins diet in advanced malignancies - final results of a safety and feasibility trial within the Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Dysfunctional mitochondrial processes limit malignant cells ability to use energy from fatty acids and ketones. Animal studies using ketogenic diets for cancer show encouraging results. We tested the diet's safety and feasibility in cancer patients across a broad variety of solid tumors.

Methods

We recruited 17 advanced cancer patients who were not on chemotherapy. They consumed 20 to 40 g of carbohydrates daily with evaluations performed weekly until week 4, then every 4 weeks until 16 weeks. Quality of life questionnaires monitored for tolerability and compliance. Positron emission/computerized tomography was ordered at baseline, 4,8 and 16 weeks. Student t-testing evaluated differences between baseline and last visit scores for quality of life, weight, body mas

SUBMITTER: Tan-Shalaby JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4983076 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature