Feasibility of a Carbohydrate-restricted, High-fat Diet on Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Outcomes

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Newly diagnosed with non-metastatic cancer of the oral cavity, hypopharynx, oropharynx, or larynx
2. Plan to receive definitive radiation treatment at Augusta Victoria Hospital (AVH) in East Jerusalem
3. Age \> 18
4. Karnofsky Index of ≥70 %
5. Normal liver and kidney function tests
6. Able to understand and willingly sign a written informed consent document
7. Lives in the West Bank or Gaza
8. Has an oven/microwave and a refrigerator where they are staying
9. Cancer stage 1-4 with no metastasis
10. BMI \> 20 kg/m²

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Those who do not meet the inclusion criteria
2. Have metastatic disease
3. Will receive a palliative treatment
4. On insulin treatment or other diabetic treatment
5. Uncontrolled illness (e.g. active infection, symptomatic CHF, cardiac arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness)
6. Received previous treatment for another primary cancer
7. Diagnosed with an illness that requires dietary modifications (e.g. renal disease, liver disease, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease)
8. Already consuming a carbohydrate-restricted, high-fat diet
9. On chronic system corticosteroids for any reason (inhaled corticosteroids are allowed);
10. Pregnant or lactating women
11. Body mass index (BMI) \< 20
12. Will start treatment within \<2 weeks from screening day
13. Requires parenteral nutrition