Keto and Cancer - Understanding KMT

Dominic D’Agostino, PhD, is a research scientist investigating the science and application of the ketogenic diet and exogenous ketones, sometimes referred to more generally as "nutritional ketosis". The use of exogenous ketones in the form of ketone esters and ketone salt supplementation is also a significant part of his research efforts.. An associate professor at the University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine in Tampa, Dr. Dominic D’Agostino produces a KetoNutrition newsletter, where he covers topics such as application of the keto diet and ketogenic metabolic therapy (KMT).

Metabolic-based therapies, including KMT, shifts metabolic physiology and brain energy metabolism to manage verious disease processes and to strengthen resistance to illnesses. The application of KMT uses a well formulated keto diet as a base therapy, specialized supplements, and in some cases drugs. Published research and trials on clinicaltrials.gov show that many researchers are exploring how the ketogenic diet and KMT (additional things that enhance ketosis) can fight cancers that thrive on glucose and glutamine, including breast cancer.

Studies indicate that a healthy and well-balanced diet can reduce cancer risk, and this is primarily due to improving various metabolic biomarkers like blood glucose, insulin, triglycerides and reducing overall body weight.. In fact, proponents claim that alternative diets stimulate metabolism and boost the immune system to fight cancer. Specifically, diet therapy can enhance cancer-specific immune regulation through physiological changes.

Notably, there is growing evidence on how KMT affects cancer cells through pleiotropic effects. It works by reducing insulin secretion and glucose transport into tumor cells. At the same time, it increases fat burning effects and ketone body production, a metabolic fuel that nourishes healthy cells but has direct anti-cancer effects.. Together with glutamine targeting (EGCG and Theanine), emerging evidence demonstrates that KMT can target tumor cells and reduce inflammation without injuring surrounding healthy tissue. In addition, the ketone supplementation with ketone esters or exogenous ketone salts (KetoStart) can further enhance KMT by improving (lowering) the Glucose/Ketone Index (GKI). For more information on metabolic targeting of cancer with nutrition, including the science and application of ketone supplements, go to the Blog of KetoNutrition.org