Cell Rep. 2026 Mar 28;45(4):117185. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2026.117185. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are associated with adverse prognosis. FLT3 inhibitors (FLT3i) improve therapeutic response; however, diverse resistance mechanisms, such as adaptations in lipid metabolism, have been identified. We hypothesized that a lipid-rich ketogenic diet (KD) might alter both host and tumoral lipid metabolism, enhancing responses to FLT3i. In FLT3-mutated AML mouse models, 3 weeks of lard- or plant-based KD improved the efficacy of FLT3i by 2-fold reduction of engraftment and tumor burden. KD increased ketone bodies and lipid accumulation in plasma, liver, and AML cells and also induced a polyunsaturated fatty acid:monounsaturated fatty acid (PUFA:MUFA) imbalance. KD impacted pentoses, hexoses, and amino acid metabolism, enhancing sugar phosphates and vitamins in the host. Mechanistically, KD rewired anabolism toward fatty acid oxidation and glycine-utilizing pathways, modulated the expression of FLT3 signaling pathways and lipid biosynthesis, and promoted tumor cell differentiation. In conclusion, this study shows that KD reduces FLT3i resistance, offering a promising therapeutic solution.

PMID:41904949 | DOI:10.1016/j.celrep.2026.117185

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