At present, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of a ketogenic diet as a treatment in cancer of any type. In in vitro studies on cancer cells, the ketogenic diet slowed tumor growth, delayed the initiation of new tumors, and in some cases sensitized the cancer cells to chemotherapy. However, this was not the case for all types of cancer. In a mouse study of melanoma, the ketogenic diet actually increased the growth of the cancer cells,[1] and in some types of cancer, the diet had no impact on the cancer at all. Some case reports in humans have shown positive results when the ketogenic diet is combined with standard treatments. Before the ketogenic diet could be recommended as an adjunct to cancer treatments, studies will need to focus on each type of cancer individually, and randomized controlled trials will need to support the claims made by anecdotal evidence.[2]
It could, however, be a safe dietary pattern for people with cancer who also have obesity or overweight and are trying to lose weight.[3]