Gist and ketogenic diet

Gist and ketogenic diet

Its not clear if GIST will respond to ketogenic diet. But, based on some general information, GIST are likely to because:
1. Neuro origin of cells.
2. "Tracing the roots of this disease to cellular respiration has yielded a promising lead on how GIST tumors might form,": cellular respiration typically means a defect in the mitochondrial function of oxidative phosphorylation. That would make this tumor dependent on fermentation of glucose for its energy.
3. The researchers examined tissue from 34 GIST patients for mutations in the genes for succinate dehydrogenase, an enzyme that processes oxygen to obtain energy for cells. [Again, cellular respiration of oxygen occurs in mitochondria-lacking this the cell metabolizes glucose with no alternatives]
4. Although the remaining patients did not have any of these mutations, succinate dehydrogenase in tissue from their tumors did not appear to be functioning and cellular respiration was disrupted. [disrupted CR means glucose is left for energy]
Therefore it is likely that these tumors are glucose sensitive. Deprivation of glucose with a Very Low Carbohydrate diet (ketogenic diet) may be effective in stopping progression or enhancing the effects of other cancer agents, like imatinib

Dr Philip B.   M.D