Scientists are now assuming that maybe cancer was never meant to be a genetic disease despite the decades of therapies, it is still the most fatal of all the diseases in the world. NIH gets the most funding for it. They are conceptualizing that maybe cancer is due to flawed metabolism rather than damaged DNA. Warburg in 1924 observed that cancer cells – unlike normal cells – take their energy from the process of fermentation (from glucose conversion into ATP). This implies that their oxidative pathway (the normal one) is damaged, and the cells find alternative for survival in fermentation. However, there are other causes of cancer but production of energy via glucose instead of oxygen still stands the primary one.
Seyfried in 2012 put forward that it is due to damaged cellular components called Mitochondria, which are in 1000 to 2000 in number in each cell. These components are responsible for energy generation. Damaged mitochondria alerts the nucleus for an emergency and hence the DNA changes (mutations) accordingly to suit the cells’ new needs. The whole complexion of the cell changes with consequential cell (uncontrollable) proliferation, instability of the genome and no cell death.
Therapies derived from this research have given great results, but they are unappreciated and not largely known. A dietary protocol (metabolic diet) by Seyfried has shown results: slowed cancer cells growth process and alleviating side effects along the therapies. However, this approach needs more attention by the researchers. Metabolic therapies include ketogenic diet (diets that restrict glucose) and non-toxic ( with no side-effect) drugs.
“It is my opinion that real progress in cancer management and prevention will emerge once the cancer field abandons the somatic mutation theory and comes to recognize the role of the mitochondria in the origin, management, and prevention of the disease.” Thomas Seyfried.
“First that many cancers can regress if energy intake is restricted and, second, that many cancers can be prevented if energy intake is restricted. Consequently, energy restricted diets combined with drugs targeting glucose and glutamine can provide a rational strategy for the longer-term management and prevention of most cancers.” Seyfried.
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