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Strahlentherapie und Onkologie

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02-05-2022 | Radiotherapy | Original Article

Impact of a ketogenic diet intervention during radiotherapy on body composition: V. Final results of the KETOCOMP study for head and neck cancer patients

Authors: Rainer J. Klement, Ph.D., Reinhart A. Sweeney, M.D.

Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie | Issue 11/2022

Abstract

Purpose

Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) are at risk of malnutrition, especially during radiochemotherapy. We aimed to study the impact of a ketogenic diet (KD) versus an unspecified standard diet (SD) on body composition and survival in HNC patients undergoing radio(chemo)therapy.

Methods

As part of a controlled clinical trial, non-metastasized HNC patients were enrolled into either a KD (N = 11) or an SD (N = 21) group between May 2015 and May 2021. Body composition was measured weekly by bioimpedance analysis and analyzed using linear mixed effects models. Overall and progression-free survival was assessed during regular follow-up.

Results

A total of 7 KD and 21 SD patients completed the study and were eligible for comparative analysis. Chemotherapy was significantly associated with declines in all body composition parameters, while the KD had opposing, yet nonsignificant effects. In patients receiving chemotherapy, average weekly reductions of body mass (BM) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) were 0.9 kg and 0.31 kg in the KD group versus 1.2 kg and 0.57 kg in the SD group, respectively. Patients in the KD group receiving no chemotherapy achieved an average increase of 0.04 kg BM and 0.12 kg SMM per week. After a median follow-up of 42 months (range 6.7–78 months) there were no significant differences in progression-free or overall survival between the groups.

Conclusion

The KD may partially counteract the detrimental effects of radiochemotherapy on body composition in HNC patients. This should encourage further research into KDs in frail cancer patient populations and motivate their implementation as complementary therapy for selected patients.

Initially, the maximum volume of the ketogenic drink was 250 ml (one container) [27], but was reduced to 225 ml after a re-sizing of the containers took place by the manufacturing company.

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Title: Impact of a ketogenic diet intervention during radiotherapy on body composition: V. Final results of the KETOCOMP study for head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Rainer J. Klement, Ph.D.
Reinhart A. Sweeney, M.D.
Publication date: 02-05-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Radiotherapy
Cytostatic Therapy
Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie / Issue 11/2022
Print ISSN: 0179-7158
Electronic ISSN: 1439-099X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00066-022-01941-2

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Impact of a ketogenic diet intervention during radiotherapy on body composition: V. Final results of the KETOCOMP study for head and neck cancer patients

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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