Impact of the ketogenic diet on breast cancer management: a systematic review

Authors

  • Gleyce Ellen Tapia Fernandes Universidade Santo Amaro – Santo Amaro (SP), Brazil.
  • Luiza Maria Monteiro Canale Universidade Nove de Julho – São Paulo (SP), Brazil.
  • Beatriz Furlan Kalmus Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde de Barretos – Barretos (SP), Brazil.
  • Julia Carolina Martins Takemura Universidade Santo Amaro – Santo Amaro (SP), Brazil.
  • Julia de Paula Panzan Faculdade São Leopoldo Mandic Araras – Araras (SP), Brazil.
  • Caroline Zorzi Faculdade Estácio, Instituto de Educação Médica – Jaraguá do Sul (SC), Brazil.
  • Giovana Finatto do Nascimento Universidade do Vale do Taquari – Lajeado (RS), Brazil.
  • Amarílis de Oliveira Almeida Universidade Nove de Julho – São Paulo (SP), Brazil.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29289/259453942025V35S1128

Keywords:

breast cancer, ketogenic diet, patient care management

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer is a group of diseases marked by loss of cellular control, leading to genetic mutations and uncontrolled proliferation. Among women, breast cancer is the most common type, with rising global incidence linked to factors
such as age, genetics, lifestyle, and diet. Among modifiable lifestyle habits, nutrition plays a key role in both prevention
and treatment. The ketogenic diet—high in fats and low in carbohydrates—aims to replace glucose with ketone bodies
as the main energy source, impacting cancer cell metabolism. This strategy seeks to inhibit the Warburg Effect, where
tumor cells preferentially use glucose for energy, even in the presence of oxygen. Objectives: This study aimed to assess
the impact of the ketogenic diet on breast cancer management by Measuring inflammatory biomarkers. Methods: This
systematic review examined studies published between 2010 and 2024 on the PubMed database, using the descriptors
“ketogenic diet,” “breast cancer,” “metabolic therapy,” and “breast neoplasm.” The study included clinical trials, systematic reviews, and experimental research on ketogenic diets in patients with breast cancer. Results: The reviewed studies
reported significant reductions in biomarkers such as lactate, insulin, and fasting glucose, alongside anti-inflammatory
effects, including lower tumor necrosis factor-alpha and increased interleukin-10 levels. An inverse correlation between
carbohydrate intake and beta-hydroxybutyrate levels indicated adherence to ketosis. Additionally, the ketogenic diet
showed potential in improving quality of life, body composition, and treatment adherence. Conclusion: The ketogenic diet
emerges as a promising adjuvant strategy in breast cancer management. Its effects on tumor metabolism and systemic
inflammation suggest potential benefits when integrated into multidisciplinary treatment protocols. Further research is
warranted to ensure its safety and efficacy in clinical settings.

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Published

2026-02-24

How to Cite

Fernandes, G. E. T., Canale, L. M. M., Kalmus, B. F., Takemura, J. C. M., Panzan, J. de P., Zorzi, C., … Almeida, A. de O. (2026). Impact of the ketogenic diet on breast cancer management: a systematic review. Mastology, 35(suppl.1). https://doi.org/10.29289/259453942025V35S1128

Issue

Vol. 35 No. suppl.1 (2025)

Section

E-poster

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Gleyce Ellen Tapia Fernandes, Luiza Maria Monteiro Canale, Beatriz Furlan Kalmus, Julia Carolina Martins Takemura, Julia de Paula Panzan, Caroline Zorzi, Giovana Finatto do Nascimento, Amarílis de Oliveira Almeida

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.