The Potential Use of a Ketogenic Diet in Pancreatobiliary Cancer Patients After Pancreatectomy

Abstract

Background/aim: High-carbohydrate diets are generally provided to post-pancreatectomy cancer patients. Low energy density of this diet may obstruct proper energy intake and recovery. This study aimed to assess the effects of high-fat, high-energy ketogenic diet (KD) in these patients.

Patients and methods: After pancreatectomy, 9 patients were provided with general diet (GD) while 10 were served KD. Meal compliance, energy intake rate, meal satisfaction and presence of complications were monitored throughout hospital stay. Data on nutritional status, serum lipids and body composition were collected and compared between groups.

Results: Meal compliance, energy intake rate and meal satisfaction score were higher in KD. There were no differences in complications, nutritional status and serum lipids. The decrease in body cell mass (BCM) was greater in GD.

Conclusion: Post-pancreatectomy cancer patients who consumed KD had a higher energy intake and BCM. These results suggest the potential use of KD as an adjuvant anti-cancer therapy.

Keywords: Pancreatic cancer; adjuvant anti-cancer therapy; ketogenic diet; pancreatectomy.