Could a modified atkins diet help fight brain cancer?

NCT ID NCT02286167

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at whether a modified Atkins diet combined with intermittent fasting is possible and has any effect in 25 people with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. Participants followed the diet for several weeks while researchers checked if they could stick with it and measured changes in brain chemicals. The goal was to see if this diet approach is worth studying further as a supportive therapy.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

modified Atkins-based intermittent fasting diet

What this could lead to

If successful, this diet approach could offer a supportive strategy to help manage glioblastoma by altering brain chemistry.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, early feasibility study with only 25 participants, so results may not apply widely. The diet is demanding and may be hard to follow long-term.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

glioblastoma glioma glioma susceptibility 1

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • The Johns Hopkins Hospital

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21287, United States

  • Wake Forest School of Medicine

    Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, United States