Effects of a Ketogenic Diet on Quality of Life in Advanced Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Melanie Schmidt, Nadja Pfetzer, Micheal Schwab, Ingrid Strauss, Ulrike Kämmerer
Primary Institution: University Hospital of Wuerzburg
Hypothesis
Can a ketogenic diet improve the quality of life for patients with advanced metastatic tumors?
Conclusion
A ketogenic diet may improve aspects of quality of life and blood parameters in some advanced cancer patients without severe side effects.
Supporting Evidence
- Five patients completed the three-month diet and reported improved emotional functioning and less insomnia.
- Two patients died during the study, reflecting the advanced disease stage of participants.
- Quality of life scores remained stable or worsened for most patients, indicating the severity of their conditions.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether a special high-fat, low-carb diet could help people with advanced cancer feel better. Some patients felt improvements in their mood and sleep.
Methodology
Patients followed a ketogenic diet for three months, with quality of life assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire and blood parameters monitored.
Potential Biases
The study was not randomized or controlled, which may introduce bias in the results.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and included patients at very advanced stages of cancer, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
The mean age of participants was 50.4 years, with 12 women and 4 men from various cancer backgrounds.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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