Ketogenic Diet in the Management of Glioblastomas: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive brain tumor that has a poor prognosis despite various treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and irradiation. However, a restricted ketogenic diet (RKD), which has been proven to be effective in treating drug-resistant epilepsy, could be a potential adjunct in the treatment of certain GBM cases. Our study aimed to highlight the existing knowledge, identify collaboration networks, and emphasize the ongoing research based on highly cited studies. During the literature search, we found 119 relevant articles written between 2010 and 2023. Among the top 20 most cited articles, there were seven laboratory and five clinical studies. The works of Olson LK, Chang HT, Schwartz KA, and Nikolai M from the Michigan State University, followed by Seyfried TN and Mukherjee P from Boston College, and Olieman JF, and Catsman-Berrevoets CE from the University Medical Center of Rotterdam, were significant contributions. The laboratory studies showed that RKD had a significant antitumor effect and could prolong survival in mouse glioblastoma models. The clinical studies verified the tolerability, efficacy, and safety of RKD in patients with GBM, but raised concerns about whether it could be used as a single therapy. The current research interest is focused on the efficacy of using RKD as an adjunct in selected chemotherapy regimens and demonstrates that it could provide GBM patients with better treatment options.