Dr. Thomas Seyfried: Pioneering Genetics & Biochemistry for Cancer Management
00:03 Dr. Thomas Seyfried’s impressive background and research focus.
- Dr. Thomas SeyfriedA Boston College professor specializing in cancer biology and metabolic theory, participated in a groundbreaking study. has an extensive educational background in genetics and biochemistry and has served with distinction in the United States Army.
- His research program focuses on gene-environmental interactions related to complex diseases such as epilepsy and autism.
02:41 Dr. Seyfried’s innovative research on cancerImagine your body as a well-organized society, where each cell plays a specific role. Cancer disrupts this harmony, as a group of cells goes rogue, breaking the rules of normal growth and function. These renegade cells multiply uncontrollably, forming tumors that invade and damage surrounding tissues. Origins of the Word… Read More and metabolic management
- Dr. Seyfried explores diseases from a genetic perspective, focusing on genetics, lipidomics, and energy metabolismMetabolism is the set of chemical processes that happen inside the body to keep it alive and working. Think of the body as a busy kitchen where food is turned into energy, building blocks, and waste. These processes break down food to release energy, build new cells, and remove unwanted… Read More.
- His unique perspective challenges the traditional cancer paradigm and provides valuable information with translational benefits.
07:40 Cancer is often viewed as a genetic disease.
- The orthodox view of cancer as a genetic disease is deeply ingrained in medical and scientific communities.
- Somatic mutation theory forms the foundation of this gene-based perspective, emphasizing mutations in oncogenes and tumorA tumor is a lump or abnormal mass of tissue that grows in the body. It’s like a bump that shouldn’t be there. While some tumors are harmless, others can be serious and even life-threatening. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand them better: The Root of the Word: The… Read More suppressor genes leading to uncontrolled cell divisionCell division is the process by which one cell splits into two new cells. This is how our bodies grow, replace old cells, and heal injuries. Normal cells go through a carefully controlled cycle of growth and division.Cancer: Division Out of Control Cancer cells are essentially normal cells that have… Read More.
09:41 Understanding the role of suppressor genes and oncogenes in cancer growth.
- Malignant mesenchymal dysmorphic cell is formed after a series of mutational changes in normal cellsThe cell is the basic building block of the human body, a tiny, microscopic (too small to see without a magnifying tool like a microscope) unit that works together with billions of other cells to form every part of the body, from the skin to the heart. Each cell is… Read More.
- There are cancer cells with no mutations, and precision medicineMedicine is the field of science and practice that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of disease. Think of it like this: • Your body is a complex machine. • Medicine is like a toolbox, and knowledge is needed to keep it running smoothly. • Doctors, nurses, and… Read More is being used for personalized cancer treatment.
13:40 Genetic abnormalities impact development without causing cancer.
- Research showed that introducing tumor nucleusImagine that a cell is like a tiny factory. The nucleus is its control center, like the boss’s office! • It contains all the instructions (DNA) the cell needs to function and grow. • The nucleus sends out messages (using RNA) to direct the rest of the cell’s activities. Etymology… Read More into tadpole blocked development but didn’t cause cancer.
- Changing mitochondriaMitochondria, often called the powerhouses of the cell (tiny units that make up the body), are vital structures inside cells that produce energy to keep the body functioning. Picture the body as a busy factory, where mitochondria are like generators, tirelessly converting food into energy that powers every organ, from… Read More in aggressive breast cancer cells affected development without causing cancer.
15:46 Mitochondria, not the nucleus, determines tumor cell behavior.
- Mitochondria’s control over tumor cells demonstrated through nuclear transfer experiments.
- Evidence challenges the gene theory of cancer, emphasizing the role of mitochondria in neoplastic tumor phenotype.
19:37 Cancer cells shift from oxidative phosphorylationOxidative Phosphorylation: The Body’s Power Plant Energizing Life: Understanding Oxidative Phosphorylation (OXPHOS) Have you ever wondered how your body transforms the food you eat into the energy you need to move, think, and simply exist? It’s a complex process, but a key player in this energy conversion is oxidative phosphorylation… Read More to fermentation“Ferment” describes a process where microorganisms like bacteria, yeast, or mold break down organic substances (often carbohydrates) in the absence of oxygen. This breakdown creates a variety of products, including acids, gases (like the bubbles you see in some fermented foods), and sometimes even alcohol. While fermentation isn’t directly involved… Read More for energy
- Oxidative phosphorylation is the main source of energy in normal cells, while cancer cells rely on ancient pathways such as glycolysisImagine you’re building a fire to stay warm. Glycolysis is like the first step in that process! It’s the metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose (sugar) from carbohydrates into a simpler molecule called pyruvate. This breakdown starts the process of generating energy for your cells. Think of it as the… Read More and the Krebs cycle for energy
- Respiration damage in cancer cells leads to the shift towards fermentation, regardless of genetic mutations
21:39 HypoxiaHypoxia, a condition characterized by insufficient oxygen levels in tissues, is a critical threat to cellular health and function. Imagine your body as a bustling city, with oxygen as the essential fuel powering its activities. Hypoxia is like a power outage, disrupting the city’s operations and potentially leading to widespread… Read More and damaged respiration are primary causes of cancer.
- Interrupted oxygen in tissues leads to damaged respiration and cancer cell fermentation.
- Damaged respiration causes reactive oxygen speciesImagine oxygen as a life-giving breeze, essential for our survival. However, this breeze can sometimes turn into a gust of wind, creating chaos and destruction. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are like those turbulent gusts within our bodies. They are unstable oxygen molecules that can damage cells and tissues, much like… Read More that lead to mutations and cancer.
25:19 MetastaticSimple Definition: When Cancer Takes a Detour Imagine cancer cells as dandelion seeds, carried by the wind to distant lands. “Metastatic” describes cancer that has spread from its original location to other parts of the body. It’s like a traveler taking a detour, establishing new outposts far from its starting… Read More spread is a key concern in cancer management.
- Metastasis occurs when abnormalWhat does “abnormally” mean?”Abnormally” means something is different from what’s usual, regular, or expected. It’s like something is out of the ordinary. Imagine you have a line of evenly spaced trees. If one tree is much taller or shorter than the others, it would look “abnormally” tall or short. Here’s… Read More cells proliferate and start to spread.
- The immune systemYour immune system is like your body’s own personal security force, constantly on guard against invaders like germs (bacteria, viruses, etc.). It’s a complex network of organs, cells, and proteins that work together to protect you from getting sick. But here’s the surprising thing: a healthy immune system can also… Read More plays a role in initially containing and responding to these abnormal cells.
27:02 Understanding the biologyBiology is the study of life! It’s the science that looks at all living things, from tiny bacteria to giant whales, and tries to figure out how they work, how they’re related, and how they change over time. Think of it like this: • Living things are like complex machines, made… Read More of cancer is crucial for effective treatment.
- Cancer cells are resistant to standard anti-angiogenic therapy due to their ability to thrive in hypoxia.
- Calorie restriction and ketogenic diets can effectively target cancer cells by depriving them of glucoseGlucose, a simple sugar (a sweet substance the body uses for energy), serves as a vital component in the human body, acting as the primary fuel for cells (tiny units that make up the body). Imagine the body as a bustling factory, where glucose is like the electricity powering the… Read More and providing an alternative fuel source.
30:27 Glucose ketone indexThe Glucose Ketone Index (GKI) is a simple yet powerful tool for understanding your body’s energy balance. It acts like a gauge, revealing how efficiently your body is burning fuel. Imagine your body as a hybrid car that can run on either gasoline (glucose) or electricity (ketones). The GKI tells… Read More provides a guide for therapeutic ketosisUnleashing the Power of Therapeutic Ketosis: A Deep Dive Imagine your body as a car with a dual-fuel engine. It can run on either gasoline (glucose from carbohydrates) or electricity (ketones from fat). Therapeutic ketosis is like intentionally switching your body’s engine to run primarily on electricity, a state where… Read More.
- The index offers a singular number to determine if one is in therapeutic ketosisA Deep Dive into the Metabolic State Transforming Health and Wellness Imagine your body as a hybrid car, capable of running on two distinct fuel sources: gasoline (carbohydrates) and electricity (fat). Ketosis is like switching your body’s engine from gasoline to electricity, primarily using fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates…. Read More.
- Therapeutic ketosis can slow tumor cell growth by removing fermentable fuels.
32:05 Ketogenic diet1. Simple Definition: Imagine your body is like a hybrid car with two fuel tanks: one for gasoline (sugar) and one for electricity (ketones). The ketogenic diet, or keto diet, is like switching your car’s engine to run primarily on electricity. This means you drastically reduce your intake of carbohydrates… Read More shows significant tumor reduction in mice.
- Research showed a 65 to 85 percent reduction in tumor size by restricting diet in mice.
- Initial findings indicated potential for metabolic management of cancer through dietary intervention.
35:32 Metabolic approach effective for treating tumors on dogs and potentially humans
- A case study of a dog with a big tumor treated with raw meat and calorie restriction resulting in tumor disappearance and improved health.
- Discussion on applying the metabolic strategy to humans with glioblastomaUnderstanding Glioblastoma: A Deep Dive into the Most Aggressive Brain Tumor Imagine your brain as a bustling metropolis, a network of intricate highways and pathways where billions of cells communicate and collaborate. Now, envision a rogue storm cell, rapidly multiplying and disrupting the city’s infrastructure. This is a glimpse into… Read More multiforme, a highly aggressive type of cancer.
37:15 Tumor growth in the brain causes intracranial pressure and eventually leads to unconsciousness and death.
- The tumor cells spread through the brain via the blood vesselsBlood vessels are like tiny pipes or tubes that create a transportation network throughout your body. They carry blood, which delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to your cells and removes waste products. Think of them as the highways and roads that supply your body’s cells with fuel! • Other Names:… Read More, making surgery and radiationRadiation is invisible energy that moves around like super-fast waves or tiny packets of energy. It’s kind of like when you feel the heat from a campfire, even if you’re not touching the fire. Where did the word come from? The word “radiation” has its roots in an old language… Read More ineffective.
- Anti-angiogenic therapiesTherapy is a broad term encompassing various treatment approaches aimed at improving health and well-being. It’s like a toolkit with various tools designed to address specific ailments and promote healing. While often associated with mental health, therapy extends far beyond the mind, encompassing physical and medical treatments as well. Etymology… Read More have been found to be ineffective in treating this type of tumor.
40:30 Glucose and glutamineGlutamine is the most abundant amino acid in your body, meaning it’s a crucial component of the proteins that make up your muscles, tissues, and organs. But glutamine’s role goes beyond just being a building block. It’s also a versatile energy source for certain cells, especially those in your gut… Read More are driving the Beast
- Removal of glucose and glutamine impacts brain cancer growth.
- Surgical resection of brain cancer creates a wound leading to further complications.
42:08 Metabolic therapyImagine your body is a complex machine, with metabolism as its engine, transforming food into energy. Metabolic therapy is a revolutionary approach to health and disease management that fine-tunes this engine, optimizing its function for optimal well-being. It’s like a personalized tune-up for your body, tailored to your unique needs… Read More applied after debulking surgery and radiation can drive cancer growth.
- Radiation during treatment frees up glutamine in the brain, which cancer cells use to drive growth.
- High-dose steroids given to reduce brain swelling increase glucose and glutamine, further promoting cancer growth.
46:02 Choosing metabolic therapy over traditional cancer treatments impacted patients’ outcomes.
- High-dose steroids used in traditional glioblastoma treatment can lead to adverse effects like ‘moonface’.
- Patients opting for metabolic therapy, like the keto diet, showed longer survival despite skepticism from doctors.
47:54 Diet and other interventions may make inoperable tumors operable
- Case study of a patient whose inoperable tumor became operable after diet and interventions
- Development of animal models and testing of various ways to manage cancer more biologically friendly
51:13 Ketogenic diet restricts tumor growth
- Three days of fastingFasting simply means abstaining from food, and sometimes drinks, for a set period. It’s a practice observed across cultures and throughout history, for various reasons. What is fasting? Think of fasting as giving your body a break from eating. Instead of using the food you just ate for energy, your… Read More followed by ketogenic diet restricts tumor growth in mice with brain tumors
- Ketogenic diet with additional treatment eliminates living tumor cells in mice
52:54 Metabolic therapy combined with drugs shows promise in slowing tumor growth
- The ketogenic diet slows down tumor cell invasion and results in more spacing between cells
- Combining the diet with drugs like glucose and glutamine inhibitors leads to significant cell death and improved health in mice
56:20 Metabolic therapy used to treat glioblastoma patient with success
- Patient underwent water-only therapeutic fasting for three days and 900-kilocalorie-a-day diet for three weeks before tumor removal
- Additional treatments included chloroquine, EGCG, hyperbaric oxygen, and avoidance of radiation therapy
58:01 Metabolic therapy shows promising results in cancer treatment
- Metabolic therapy resulted in significant reduction in tumor growth and midline shift in a brain cancer patient, leading to improved quality of life
- Metabolic therapy also showed positive outcomes in a woman with triple negative breast cancer, liverThe liver is a large organ located in the upper right part of the belly, under the rib cage. Like the heart that pumps blood or the lungs that help with breathing, the liver plays a crucial role in keeping the body healthy and working properly. This important organ is… Read More and muscle spread, highlighting the potential of metabolic management in cancer
1:01:55 Metabolic therapy shows positive response in cancer patients.
- The therapy has shown positive results in various types of cancers such as prostate, blood-based carcinomas, and metastatic cancers.
- The compliance and monitoring of patients are key factors in determining the success of the therapy.
1:04:16 Preventing cancer through metabolic management
- Protecting mitochondria through therapeutic ketosis or MCT oil intake.
- Addressing the link between obesityObesity is a medical condition where someone has excessive body fat that can negatively affect their health. It’s not just about weight, but also about the amount of fat that accumulates in the body, especially around the belly. Etymology: The word “obesity” has a long history, dating back to the… Read More, metabolism, and cancer risk.
1:08:27 Monitoring C-reactive proteinImagine your body as a bustling construction site, where every structure is meticulously built and maintained. Proteins are the versatile workers that make it all happen. They’re not just one thing but an entire workforce, each with a specialized role. Some proteins build and repair tissues; others act as enzymes… Read More and maintaining GKI can reduce inflammationInflammation is your body’s natural response to injury or infection. Imagine it like a fire alarm going off in your body, sending out signals to fight off invaders and heal damaged tissues. • Other Names: You might not hear many other names for inflammation in everyday conversation. Scientists sometimes use terms… Read More.
- Reduced bloodBlood is the life force coursing through your veins and arteries, delivering vital oxygen and nutrients to every cell in your body while whisking away waste products. It’s a complex, dynamic fluid—not just a simple red liquid. Consider it a bustling highway system within your body, carrying various cellular vehicles… Read More sugarsSugar is a substance represented as a simple carbohydrate (a basic type of molecule made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen) that serves as a vital component throughout the body. It is the primary source of energy for most cells, acting like the body’s main fuel. Every part of the body,… Read More lead to decreased inflammation by lowering IGf1 levels and the PI3 Akt signaling pathway.
- New immune oncology strategies like checkpoint inhibitors and Carty immunotherapyHarnessing the Immune System’s Power: A Deep Dive into Immunotherapy Imagine your immune system as a well-trained army, constantly patrolling your body for invaders like viruses, bacteria, and even rogue cells that could develop into cancer. Immunotherapy is like giving that army a powerful upgrade, equipping them with advanced weapons… Read More are being used to target tumor cells and block abnormal behavior.
1:10:19 Immunotherapy as a costly and complex treatment approach
- Genetically engineered T cells are used to target tumors but can have unpredictable outcomes.
- High financial costs and limited effectiveness lead to financial toxicity“Toxic” means something that’s poisonous or really harmful. It’s like something bad that can make you sick or even hurt you. Where did the word come from? A long, long time ago, people who used bows and arrows would put poison on the arrow tips to hunt animals or fight… Read More and negative consequences for patients.

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