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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Could starvation minimize chemotherapy-induced toxicities?

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Background: In their recent paper Raffaghello, et al. examined the use of short-term starvation (STS) to induce differential stress resistance (DSR), that is increased protection of normal over cancer cells against chemotherapy-induced oxidative stress, using a range of model organisms. Objective/methods: We examine the results of this study and their significance. Results/conclusions: Raffaghello, et al. obtained evidence that STS induced DSR in yeast, mammalian cell cultures, and mice. It is possible that calorie restriction extends lifespan and prevents chronic diseases like tumors, by braking proliferation. We think that molecular mechanisms determining STS-induced DFS in mammals should be thoroughly studied and clarified before starting to test this reasonable strategy in clinical trials.