Ketogenic Diet in Cancer Prevention and Therapy: Molecular Targets and Therapeutic Opportunities

PROJECT TITLE:

Ketogenic Diet in Cancer Prevention and Therapy: Molecular Targets and Therapeutic Opportunities 

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1. Research Summary (Abstract):

2–4 sentences summarizing the research aim, approach, and core findings.

This review highlights the crucial mechanisms that explain the ketogenic diet’s potential antitumor effects. Studies discussed in this review provide a solid background for researchers and physicians to design new combination therapies based on KD and conventional therapies. 

2. Background and Motivation:

Why is this research important? What problem does it address?

Although cancer is still one of the most significant global challenges facing public health, the world still lacks complementary approaches that would significantly enhance the efficacy of standard anticancer therapies. One of the essential strategies during cancer treatment is following a healthy diet program. The ketogenic diet (KD) has recently emerged as a metabolic therapy in cancer treatment, targeting cancer cell metabolism rather than a conventional dietary approach.

3. Objectives:

What were the main goals or research questions?

  • Collection and analysis of published data dealing with ketogenic diet and cancer
  • Study the mechanisms of action of ketogenic diet and the targets in cancer cells
  • Analysis of experimental and clinical studies of using ketogenic diet in cancer prevention and therapy

4. Methods and Approach:

  • Brief description of the research design, methods, or technologies used.
  • collection and analysis of published articles to clearly summarize the multiple mechanisms of ketogenic diet as an anticancer agent

5. Key Findings:

List the most important results or discoveries.

  • Ketogenic diet exhibits anti-cancer effects with limited toxicity, low cost, and is easy to apply.
  • Ketogenic diet anticancer activity is mediated by targeting tumor metabolism, the inflammatory process, gene transcription, and the tumor microenvironment.
  • The published data of the preclinical and clinical trials support the use of a ketogenic diet as a preventive and adjuvant cancer therapy

6. Outcomes and Impact Highlights:

What difference does this research make? Include real-world benefits.

  • Academic: Validates TAME-ChatGPT as a practical tool for assessing ChatGPT adoption in higher education.
  • Societal / Economic: Supports institutions in understanding student readiness and barriers (risk perception, anxiety), which informs responsible AI literacy strategies.
  • Policy / Practice: Suggests policies for ChatGPT adoption should be tailored to context and student differences across countries.

7. Evidence of Impact:

in a case control study, a patient with metastatic colorectal cancer who maintained disease stabilization for over a year under KD combined with chemotherapy. Source: Sims D, Liman AK, Leung V, Hwang A, Means J, Liman AD. What we have learned about combining a ketogenic diet and chemoimmunotherapy: a case report and review of literature. Fed Pract. (2023) 40:S98–S104. 

8. Funding and Support:

Applied Science Private University (Grant No. DRGS-2020-2021-4). 

9. Supporting Materials / URLs:

Links to publications, reports, code, patents, videos, datasets.

https://www.mdpi.com/1467-3045/43/2/42

10. Academic profile 

Include name, affiliation and URL to your ASU profile. 

https://www.asu.edu.jo/en/Pharmacy/w_talib/Pages/Personal-Information.aspx ​ 

11. Project partners (if any)

List all organizations who contributed to or collaborated on the research. Please include the full name of each institution and a relevant website URL.

Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences,

Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khoud 34-123, Oman

https://www.squ.edu.om/agriculture​