More on the Tumor

The tumor is a large, slow growing mass in the lower part of my abdomen, and is connected to my vena cava and other vital parts of my anatomy down there, so it could not be removed during the surgery of 3/31/10. The strategy suggested by my surgeon was to go after it with chemotherapy, and then it would shrink enough so it can be removed.

We know also that tumors love and live off sugar, and so the nutritional part of the approach will be to starve the tumor. That means no sugar in the diet (perhaps some fructose now and then--not more than say 10 grams per day), and lots of protein and even more fat to get my weight up, along with some low glycemic index carbs. The tumor can be starved out. We know this from research in other cancers:

Abstract #1
Traditionally, a ketogenic diet is given to drug-resistant children with epilepsy to improve seizure control. Inducing a ketogenic state in patients with cancer may be a useful adjunct to cancer treatment by affecting tumor glucose metabolism and growth while maintaining the patient's nutritional status. A ketogenic diet consisting of 60% medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, 20% protein, 10% carbohydrate, and 10% other dietary fats was provided to a select group of pediatric patients with advanced-stage cancer to test the effects of dietary-induced ketosis on tumor glucose metabolism. Issues of tolerance and compliance for patients consuming an oral diet (consisting of normal table foods and daily MCT oil “shakes”) and for patients receiving an enteral formula are reviewed. Preliminary use of the MCT oil-based diet suggests a potential in pediatric patients with cancer. J Am Diet Assoc. 1995; 95:693-697.

Abstract #2
Effects of a ketogenic diet on tumor metabolism and nutritional status in pediatric oncology patients: two case reports

Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol 14, Issue 2 202-208

OBJECTIVE: Establish dietary-induced ketosis in pediatric oncology patients to determine if a ketogenic state would decrease glucose availability to certain tumors, thereby potentially impairing tumor metabolism without adversely affecting the patient's overall nutritional status. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: University Hospitals of Cleveland. SUBJECTS: Two female pediatric patients with advanced stage malignant Astrocytoma tumors. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were followed as outpatients for 8 weeks. Ketosis was maintained by consuming a 60% medium chain triglyceride oil-based diet. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Tumor glucose metabolism was assessed by Positron Emission Tomography (PET), comparing [Fluorine-18] 2-deoxy-2-fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) uptake at the tumor site before and following the trial period. RESULTS: Within 7 days of initiating the ketogenic diet, blood glucose levels declined to low-normal levels and blood ketones were elevated twenty to thirty fold. Results of PET scans indicated a 21.8% average decrease in glucose uptake at the tumor site in both subjects. One patient exhibited significant clinical improvements in mood and new skill development during the study. She continued the ketogenic diet for an additional twelve months, remaining free of disease progression. CONCLUSION: While this diet does not replace conventional antineoplastic treatments, these preliminary results suggest a potential for clinical application which merits further research.

So: no sugar and less carbs is not the whole story and is not a cancer cure. But I think it is a big part of the healing picture, particularly with people with solid tumors such as me.

What to do when wanting a treat? I have found high quality balsamic vinegar, aged at least five years and imported from Italy, put on veggies and other low carb foods, to be a worthy and delicious investment. Anyone else with fun and tasty low carb and no carb ideas?