Year: 2014
Type: article
Abstract: Cancer cells, relative to normal cells, demonstrate significant alterations in metabolism that are proposed to result in increased steady-state levels of mitochondrial-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as O2(•-)and H2O2. It has also been proposed that cancer cells increase glucose and hydroperoxide metabolism to compensate for increased levels of ROS. Given this theoretical construct, it is reasonable to propose that forcing cancer cells to use mitochondrial oxidative metabolism by feeding ketogenic diets that are high in fats and low in glucose and other carbohydrates, would selectively cause metabolic oxidative stress in cancer versus normal cells. Increased metabolic oxidative stress in cancer cells would in turn be predicted to selectively sensitize cancer cells to conventional radiation and chemotherapies. This review summarizes the evidence supporting the hypothesis that ketogenic diets may be safely used as an adjuvant therapy to conventional radiation and chemotherapies and discusses the proposed mechanisms by which ketogenic diets may enhance cancer cell therapeutic responses.
Source: Redox Biology
Language: English
Topic: Diet and metabolism studies
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,310
Awards: G1219496881, Enhancing Metabolic Oxidative Stress and Therapy Responses in Cancer Stem Cells, The Use of 2-Deoxyglucose in Head and Neck Cancer Therapy, G3301332164, G409641646, Using Ketogenic Diets to Enhance Radio-Chemo-Therapy Response: A Phase I Trial, G630064964, Training Program in Free Radical and Radiation Biology, University of Iowa Clinical and Translational Science Program, Medical Scientist Training Program, G8813805623, Cancer Center Support Grant
OpenAlex ID: W1987238295