Volume 23 Issue 6
Jun.  2025
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Article Navigation >  Chinese Journal of General Practice  > 2025  >  23(6): 1022-1026
LI Yiming, YAO Chang, ZHANG Zihao. Advances in the study of the role of ketogenic diet in the treatment of breast cancer[J]. Chinese Journal of General Practice, 2025, 23(6): 1022-1026. doi: 10.16766/j.cnki.issn.1674-4152.004057
Citation: LI Yiming, YAO Chang, ZHANG Zihao. Advances in the study of the role of ketogenic diet in the treatment of breast cancer[J]. Chinese Journal of General Practice, 2025, 23(6): 1022-1026. doi: 10.16766/j.cnki.issn.1674-4152.004057
shu

Advances in the study of the role of ketogenic diet in the treatment of breast cancer

doi: 10.16766/j.cnki.issn.1674-4152.004057
  • 1.

    Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China

Funds:

 y2021rc09

 BK20221424

  • Received Date: 2024-07-12
    Available Online: 2025-09-04
    Abstract
  • The development of breast cancer (BC) is associated with lifestyle, natural environment and diet. Dietary intake is a significant environmental factor impacting tumor metabolism, with unhealthy dietary habits increasing the risk of BC, while a healthy diet can reduce chronic inflammation and DNA damage, thereby positively impacting human health. The potential of dietary intervention as an adjuvant therapy for breast cancer has garnered considerable attention. Among various dietary intervention methods, the ketogenic diet (KD) has become a research hotspot due to its potential in regulating metabolism, controlling disease progression, and reducing adverse treatment reactions. The KD is characterized by a high fat, medium protein, and extremely low carbohydrate composition. By modifying the patient ' s dietary structure, endogenous ketone bodies are generated, thereby transforming the body from a glucose dependent energy state to a fat dependent energy state and reducing insulin levels. This directly or indirectly affects the energy metabolism of cancer cells, improves the therapeutic effect of targeted drugs, reduces cancer cell proliferation, and improves programmed cell death. KD has been shown to positively impact brain nerve function in breast cancer patients, contributing to an improvement in mood and physical well-being, and enhancing the quality of life. The ketogenic diet, in its capacity as a novel adjuvant treatment strategy for breast cancer, has been shown to possess numerous potential benefits and is anticipated to assume an important role in the treatment of breast cancer in the future. This article will explore the effects of KD on the treatment of breast cancer from multiple perspectives, including its role in immune regulation, metabolic status, gene expression and potential molecular mechanisms. By synthesizing the extant research findings, this study offers a novel perspective and methodology for the comprehensive management of breast cancer and investigates the potential of KD to be integrated into future clinical practice.

     

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