Cancer remains one of the world’s leading causes of death, despite major advances in medical science. While treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery have saved countless lives, scientists are increasingly looking beyond genetics to better understand how cancer develops and survives at the cellular level. A growing body of research now suggests that cancer may also be a metabolic disease.
According to Dr Mandeep Singh Malhotra, co-founder of Art of Healing Cancer, cancer cells behave very differently from healthy cells when it comes to energy use. Normal cells rely mainly on oxygen-based respiration to produce energy. Cancer cells, however, depend heavily on a less efficient process called glycolysis, where glucose is fermented to fuel rapid growth.
This abnormal metabolism appears to be a common feature across many cancer types. Instead of flexible energy use, cancer cells depend largely on glucose and glutamine. Dr Malhotra explains that damage to the mitochondria, the cell’s energy centre, may play a more critical role in cancer development than genetic mutations alone. In simple terms, the problem may lie more in how cells produce energy than in their DNA.
This understanding opens the door to new supportive strategies. Healthy cells can switch to using ketone bodies when glucose levels are low. Cancer cells lack this flexibility. As a result, reducing the availability of glucose through calorie-restricted or low-glycaemic diets may help weaken cancer cells and slow tumour growth in some cases.
Emerging evidence suggests that carefully designed dietary approaches, including carbohydrate restriction and therapeutic ketosis, may support conventional cancer treatments. Dr Malhotra notes that some patients show better tolerance to treatment and improved outcomes when personalised nutritional strategies are added under medical supervision.
However, experts stress that diet is not a replacement for standard cancer care. Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery remain essential and irreplaceable. A holistic approach aims to support the body, reduce side effects, and improve overall resilience during treatment.
Cancer is a complex disease influenced by genetics, metabolism, environment, and lifestyle. The future of cancer care may lie in integrating evidence-based medical treatment with mindful nutrition and metabolic health, offering patients a more balanced and supportive path forward.
