Could a Ketogenic Diet Boost Your Cancer Immunotherapy?

A new study suggests that a simple dietary supplement could significantly enhance the effectiveness of CAR T-cell therapy, a revolutionary personalized cancer treatment. The research, conducted by scientists at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center, indicates that a ketogenic diet may boost the power of these immune cells to fight cancer.

CAR T-Cell Therapy: A Promising Treatment with Limitations

CAR T-cell therapy has shown incredible promise in treating blood cancers. This innovative approach involves reprogramming a patient’s own immune cells (specifically T-cells) to recognize and destroy cancer cells. While thousands of patients have benefited from this therapy, it doesn’t always work for everyone.

“Thousands of patients with blood cancers have been successfully treated with CAR T-cell therapy, but it still doesn’t work for everyone,” explained Shan Liu, a postdoctoral fellow and co-lead author of the study.

Unlocking the Power of a Ketogenic Diet

This groundbreaking study explored the impact of various diets on the effectiveness of CAR T-cells. Researchers in the study tested the effects of ketogenic, high-fiber, high-fat, high-protein, high cholesterol, and a control diet on CAR T-cell tumor-fighting capabilities. Their mouse model of diffuse-large B-cell lymphoma revealed a significant finding: mice on a ketogenic diet experienced improved tumor control and survival rates compared to those on all other diets.

Subsequent research pinpointed beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), a metabolite produced by the liver in response to a ketogenic diet, as the key factor behind this enhancement. BHB acts as an alternative fuel source for CAR T-cells, potentially allowing them to function more powerfully and effectively target cancer cells.

“Our theory is that CAR T cells prefer BHB as a fuel source rather than standard sugars in our body, such as glucose,” said Puneeth Guruprasad, who co-led the study alongside Shan Liu.

“So, increasing the levels of BHB in the body gives the CAR T cells more power to take out the cancer cells.”

Future Clinical Trials Offer Hope

Following this promising pre-clinical research, the theory that BHB supplementation can improve CAR T-cell therapy response is currently being investigated in a Phase I clinical trial at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center. These trials hold the potential to provide definitive answers about the effectiveness of incorporating a ketogenic diet into cancer treatment.

Interested in Learning More?**

If you’re considering CAR T-cell therapy or want to explore the potential benefits of a ketogenic diet in managing cancer, speak with your oncologist or a registered dietitian. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific medical needs and circumstances.