VLEKT and cancer: effects on tumour metabolism and response to treatment

Cancer is the second most common cause of death worldwide. While no definitive treatment protocol exists, new nutritional approaches are being discussed. Cancer cells have altered metabolism and the ability to metastasize. These adaptations lead to changes in glucose, glutamine, serine and carbon metabolism. The Warburg effect (conversion of glucose to lactate) is observed due to increased energy requirements. While there is no definitive treatment protocol for cancer, in recent years the ketogenic diet, and particularly Very Low Energy Ketogenic Diet (VLEKT), has been considered among the promising protocols for cancer treatment. Ketones formed as a result of VLEKT have a positive effect on the inflammatory system, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in cancer cells. This review aims to describe the changes in cancer cells and their potential effects on these changes. VLEKT is a promising diet protocol for cancer treatment. This potential merits further investigation in precilinical and clinical studies.