Feasibility of a modified Atkins diet in glioma patients during radiation and its effect on radiation sensitization

Background Gliomas are the most dreaded primary brain tumour because of their dismal cure rates. Ketogenictype diets (kds) are high-fat, low-protein, and low-carbohydrate diets; the modified Atkins diet (mad) is a lessstringent version of a kd that still generates serum ketones in patients. The purpose of the present study was to retrospectively examine the feasibility of attaining ketosis and the safety of the mad in patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatment for glioma. The rate of pseudoprogression (psp) after treatment was also assessed as a marker of radiation sensitization. To our knowledge, this dataset is the largest published relating to patients with glioma undergoing kd during radiation and chemotherapy.Methods We retrospectively studied 29 patients with grades ii–iv astrocytoma following the mad during standard radiation and chemotherapy. Feasibility of attaining ketosis was assessed though levels of beta hydroxybutyrate in blood. Pre- and post-radiation magnetic resonance images were evaluated for psp by a neuroradiologist blinded to patient data.Results In the 29 patients who started the mad during radiation, ketosis was achieved in all 29 (100%). No serious adverse events occurred secondary to the mad. Of those 29 patients, 19 had glioblastoma multiforme. Of the latter 19 patients, 11 (58%) showed psp after mad and radiation and temozolomide therapy.Conclusions A modified Atkins diet is feasible and safe for glioma patients during radiation and chemotherapy treatment. The mad and resulting ketosis could play a role as a radiation sensitizer.

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Classic Ketogenic Diet and Modified Atkins Diet in SLC2A1 Positive and Negative Patients with Suspected GLUT1 Deficiency Syndrome: A Single Center Analysis of 18 Cases

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13030840 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 840

Author(s):

Jana Ruiz Herrero ◽

Elvira Cañedo Villarroya ◽

Luis González Gutiérrez-Solana ◽

Beatriz García Alcolea ◽

Begoña Gómez Fernández ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Movement Disorder ◽

Glucose Transporter ◽

Deficiency Syndrome ◽

Laboratory Assessment ◽

Modified Atkins Diet ◽

Atkins Diet ◽

Glut1 Deficiency ◽

Glut1 Deficiency Syndrome ◽

The Impact

Background: Glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome (GLUT1DS) is caused by mutations in the SLC2A1 gene and produces seizures, neurodevelopmental impairment, and movement disorders. Ketogenic dietary therapies (KDT) are the gold standard treatment. Similar symptoms may appear in SLC2A1 negative patients. The purpose is to evaluate the effectiveness of KDT in children with GLUT1DS suspected SLC2A1 (+) and (-), side effects (SE), and the impact on patients nutritional status. Methods: An observational descriptive study was conducted to describe 18 children (January 2009–August 2020). SLC2A1 analysis, seizures, movement disorder, anti-epileptic drugs (AEDS), anthropometry, SE, and laboratory assessment were monitored baseline and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after the onset of KDT. Results: 6/18 were SLC2A1(+) and 13/18 had seizures. In these groups, the age for debut of symptoms was higher. The mean time from debut to KDT onset was higher in SLC2A1(+). The modified Atkins diet (MAD) was used in 12 (5 SLC2A1(+)). Movement disorder improved (4/5), and a reduction in seizures >50% compared to baseline was achieved in more than half of the epileptic children throughout the follow-up. No differences in effectiveness were found according to the type of KDT. Early SE occurred in 33%. Long-term SE occurred in 10, 5, 7, and 5 children throughout the follow-up. The most frequent SE were constipation, hypercalciuria, and hyperlipidaemia. No differences in growth were found according to the SLC2A1 mutation or type of KDT. Conclusions: CKD and MAD were effective for SLC2A1 positive and negative patients in our cohort. SE were frequent, but mild. Permanent monitoring should be made to identify SE and nutritional deficits.

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