Dr. Dominic D’Agostino’s pioneering work in metabolic therapy offers promising insights into cancer treatment by combining hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) with ketogenic diets. This approach leverages the unique properties of therapeutic ketosis and HBOT to selectively target cancer cells while protecting healthy tissue. In this article, we’ll delve into the science behind these innovative therapies and explore their potential in cancer treatment.

Background: From Military Research to Cancer Therapy

Dr. D’Agostino’s journey into this field began with research funded by the Navy to make high-pressure oxygen safer for military diving. This led to exploring therapeutic ketosis as a means to mitigate oxygen toxicity. Initially used for conditions like seizures, therapeutic ketosis—achieved through fasting, ketogenic diets, or exogenous ketones—has shown potential in cancer therapy as well.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This process dissolves oxygen into the plasma, bypassing haemoglobin’s oxygen-carrying capacity. Tumours, typically hypoxic, become vulnerable to the oxidative stress caused by hyperbaric oxygen. This stress triggers a burst of oxygen-free radicals, similar to radiation therapy, selectively killing cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.

Ketogenic Diets and Therapeutic Ketosis

Ketogenic diets induce a metabolic state known as therapeutic ketosis, where the body burns ketones instead of glucose for energy. This metabolic shift has been shown to reduce cancer cell growth. In experiments, brain cancer cells stopped growing in the presence of ketones, highlighting the potential of ketogenic diets in cancer treatment.

Combining Hyperbaric Oxygen with Ketogenic Diets

The combination of HBOT with ketogenic diets offers a synergistic approach to cancer treatment. Hyperbaric oxygen increases oxidative stress in tumours, while therapeutic ketosis enhances metabolic health and reduces cancer cell growth. This dual strategy may provide a safer and more effective treatment option compared to traditional methods.

Safety and Protocol Considerations

When using HBOT, safety is paramount. Dr. D’Agostino advocates for a conservative protocol, typically involving sessions three days a week. This allows the body’s antioxidant systems to recover and mitigate excessive oxidative stress. Therapeutic ketosis, achieved through diet or exogenous ketones, can further enhance safety by reducing the risk of seizures associated with high oxygen levels.

Future Directions and Personalised Therapy

The ultimate goal is to develop personalized protocols that tailor hyperbaric oxygen and ketogenic therapies to individual patients based on specific biomarkers and oxidative stress levels. This approach could optimise treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects. Future research should focus on comprehensive dose-response studies and integrating additional metabolic drugs to enhance therapeutic benefits.

Final Thought

The integration of HBOT and ketogenic diets represents a promising frontier in cancer treatment. By leveraging the unique properties of these therapies, researchers like Dr. D’Agostino are paving the way for more effective and targeted cancer therapies. As this field continues to evolve, the potential for personalised metabolic therapy to revolutionise cancer care becomes increasingly evident.