216 - Metabolomics, NAD+, and cancer metabolism | Josh Rabinowitz, M.D., Ph.D.
Summary

In this podcast, the guest speaker, a physician and researcher, discusses his journey into the field of biomedicine, specifically cancer metabolism. The conversation delves into the history and importance of studying metabolism in scientific research, with the guest explaining that understanding metabolism is crucial to solving health problems such as metabolic syndrome. The guest also discusses the role of lactate in the body and its implications for metabolic health, as well as the decline of NAD levels with aging and the potential benefits of NAD supplementation.

The podcast also explores the exciting developments in cancer metabolism research, including the potential for exploiting metabolic quirks to augment the immune system's response to cancer. The guest suggests that a combination of chemotherapy and a ketogenic diet can be a powerful tool in lowering tumor glucose and improving outcomes in animal models. The conversation concludes with a call for fresh thinking and exploration of new targets in cancer metabolism research.

The guest also discusses his keen clinical interest in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, which is a particularly lethal cancer. He explains that the cancer is driven by mutations of the ras oncogene and is metabolically pernicious due to its ability to scavenge nutrients from the environment in non-standard ways. The guest believes that metabolic approaches to therapy will be a key piece of the puzzle in getting enough drug killing by preventing metabolic escape mechanisms or enough immune activity. He also discusses the potential impact of diet and supplements on cancer metabolism, including the potential for amino acid restriction and the importance of the type of fat in the diet.

Overall, this podcast provides a comprehensive overview of the importance of studying metabolism in scientific research, with a focus on its relevance to cancer metabolism. The guest speaker provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of NAD supplementation and the role of diet and supplements in cancer metabolism. The podcast is informative and engaging, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in biomedicine and cancer research.