Important Note: This article presents emerging research only. Keto is not a cancer treatment. Always follow your oncologist’s guidance and never modify your treatment without medical consultation.
The hypothesis that cancer cells preferentially use glucose for energy (the Warburg Effect) has led researchers to investigate whether depriving tumours of glucose through ketogenic eating might inhibit cancer cell growth.
Many cancer cells rely heavily on aerobic glycolysis — glucose fermentation — even in the presence of oxygen. They are less able to use ketones as fuel compared to healthy cells.
Animal studies and cell culture research show promising results for keto in slowing tumour growth in certain cancer types, particularly glioblastoma and colorectal cancer.
Early-phase human trials are ongoing. Results are mixed and largely preliminary. No clinical evidence yet supports keto as a standalone cancer therapy.
Where oncologists have incorporated keto as a supportive (not replacement) therapy, patients have generally tolerated it well and reported improvements in energy and quality of life.
Anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense keto eating — emphasising fatty fish, leafy greens, and olive oil — is supported by our gluten-free keto recipes and keto main dish collection.