CAAT | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

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This information describes the common uses of CAAT, how it works, and its possible side effects.

Tell your healthcare providers about any dietary supplements you’re taking, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, and natural or home remedies. This will help them manage your care and keep you safe.

What is it?

No studies have been performed to determine the safety or effectiveness of Controlled Amino Acid Therapy (CAAT) as a cancer treatment.

Supporters of CAAT say that eating a special diet low in carbohydrates and deprived of certain amino acids may help as an added cancer therapy. They point to animal studies showing that low-calorie diets can shrink tumors. Other studies suggesting that cancer cell lines might be targeted by depriving them of glucose or amino acids have also been mentioned. However, there are no clinical studies to show this therapy is an effective cancer treatment in humans.

It’s important to note that restrictive diets may lead to nutrient deficiency.

What are the potential uses and benefits?

To treat cancer
Studies have yet to be conducted to determine whether CAAT has any effect on cancer in humans.

What else do I need to know?

Special Point:

Restrictive diets may lead to nutrient deficiency.

If you have questions or concerns, contact your healthcare provider. A member of your care team will answer Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Outside those hours, you can leave a message or talk with another MSK provider. There is always a doctor or nurse on call. If you’re not sure how to reach your healthcare provider, call 212-639-2000.

For more resources, visit www.mskcc.org/pe to search our virtual library.

CAAT - Last updated on February 7, 2023
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What is it?

What are the potential uses and benefits?

What else do I need to know?