Jeremy Marsh
Cancer remains one of the most challenging diseases, with limited progress in prevention and treatment. Motivated by this, I have written this book to explore innovative therapeutic approaches, drawing on my experience as a biomedical molecular and cell biologist since 2005, including work at Boston College and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. My research has focused on malignant astrocytomas, particularly glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and treatment-resistant brain tumors.This book presents compelling preclinical evidence supporting caloric restriction (CR) as a potential adjuvant therapy for malignant astrocytoma. We explore PTEN/TSC2/LKB1-deficient CT-2A mouse astrocytomas, detailing their Akt, mTOR, and HIF-1α activity, current treatment challenges, and the obstacles posed by the blood-brain barrier.We then examine CR’s effects on cancer biology, highlighting its Akt-dependent pro-apoptotic, antiangiogenic, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, supported by rigorous preclinical studies. The book also addresses translating these findings to humans, considering modified CR regimens, nutritional strategies, monitoring, and adherence challenges.Finally, we explore CR’s synergistic potential with conventional therapies, ethical and practical considerations for clinicians, and ongoing research including CR mimetics and novel therapeutic integrations. Case studies and patient perspectives provide a holistic view of the therapy’s impact.This volume is a valuable resource for oncologists, researchers, academics, and anyone seeking insights into the promising role of caloric restriction in neuro-oncology.
