The Metabolic Link Journal Club: Five Papers Pushing the Boundaries of Metabolic Therapy | The Metabolic Link Ep. 89
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Mar 3, 2026 Cutting-edge studies linking ketosis to cancer immunotherapy, reduced alcohol-craving brain signatures, and psychiatric symptom improvements. Trials and preclinical work examine inflammation, visceral fat, and neuropathic pain outcomes with ketogenic approaches. Practical questions about feasibility, timing, and clinical implementation are also explored.
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Ketosis Reprograms Kidney Tumors To Boost Immunotherapy
- Ketosis shifts renal cell metabolism away from glycolysis, reducing proliferation and increasing PD-L1 expression in some tumors.
- In mice a ketogenic diet slowed tumor growth and made PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy more effective, with one combination-treated mouse showing prolonged survival.
Always Coordinate Ketogenic Use With Cancer Care Teams
- Consult your oncology team before trying ketogenic therapy alongside cancer treatment because human safety and efficacy need controlled trials.
- Consider enrolling in clinical trials now underway combining ketogenic strategies with immunotherapy.
Ketones Can Replace Alcohol-Derived Acetate To Reduce Craving
- Alcohol metabolism produces acetate that the brain uses as fuel; abrupt loss of acetate in withdrawal causes brain energy hypometabolism and craving.
- A therapeutic ketogenic diet raised beta-hydroxybutyrate to >4 mmol/L and reduced machine-learning fMRI craving signatures and self-reported alcohol wanting.