A popular diet called the ketogenic diet (high fat, low carbs) causes the body to produce ketone bodies, which are natural energy sources. One of them, β-hydroxybutyrate (βHb), may affect how cancer cells behave.

In this study, scientists tested how βHb influences breast cancer cells in the lab. They found that in some cancer cells, βHb reduced growth and activity, while in others the effects were different. Healthy cells were not harmed. The treatment also triggered changes in genes related to fat metabolism and cancer.

These results suggest that βHb might help support breast cancer treatment – but responses vary between different types of cancer, highlighting the need for personalized approaches.