Exploring the role of ketogenic diet therapy in neuro-oncology

Glioblastoma is a rare brain tumour, with an annual incidence of 6.8 per 100,000 people in Australia, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. Adding to this poor prognosis, the neurological, cognitive and psychological impact of glioblastoma are devastating. There is an urgent need to find new treatments to improve quality of life and overall survival for glioblastoma. Preclinical data shows that the high fat, low carbohydrate, ketogenic diet can slow cancer growth, by restriction of glucose availability to tumour cells. Ketogenic diet therapy is well-established in the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy. Currently there are no available treatment protocols specific for ketogenic diet therapy in neuro-oncology. This program of work will focus on the feasibility of adjunct ketogenic diet therapy for people with brain tumours, and developing entrustable professional activities to support specialisation in dietetics. Patient and staff experience will also be evaluated. Essential criteria: Hold an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in nutrition and dietetics, and eligible for membership of Dietitians Australia and Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) status. Desirable criteria: Prior experience in the nutritional management of neurological conditions, oncology and/or ketogenic diet therapy.