The Restricted Ketogenic Diet for the Management of Gliomas: A Literature Review and Case Study

Glioma is the general term for a brain tumor, and within that is the classification of glioblastoma, also called a grade IV glioma, which is the most aggressive. It is characterized by necrotic cells and can be composed of several different types of brain cells. Thus, glioblastomas are especially difficult when it comes to implementing the most effective treatments. The prognosis of patients diagnosed with a glioblastomas is poor, with treatment options often being uncertain and ineffective. Glioblastomas are the most commonly diagnosed type of glioma, making up over half of brain tumor cases in the U.S. Most glioblastoma patients do not survive beyond 15 months after diagnosis, with a 5 year survival of less than 3%. Therefore, it is critical to consider alternatives for managing this specific type of tumor due to its aggressive nature and dismal outcomes. Since the majority of glioma patients are directed to palliative care, implementing a restricted ketogenic diet can be a final, non-toxic option. However, studies are also showing that the diet in combination with standard therapies, particularly radiation, improves the effects of the treatment as the tumor cells are in a more ‘vulnerable’ state.Master of Public Healt