Dr. Thomas N. Seyfried
Professor of Biology, Boston College — Author of “Cancer as a Metabolic Disease”
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Dr. Thomas N. Seyfried is a pioneering researcher and advocate for the concept that cancer is primarily a metabolic disease rooted in mitochondrial dysfunction rather than a purely genetic disorder. His research focuses on how defects in cellular energy production drive tumor development and growth.
Academic Background
Dr. Seyfried earned his Ph.D. in Genetics and Biochemistry from the University of Illinois and completed post-doctoral training at Yale University. He is currently a professor of biology at Boston College, where his laboratory investigates the links between energy metabolism, mitochondrial health, and diseases such as cancer and epilepsy.
Metabolic Theory of Cancer
Central to Dr. Seyfried’s work is the hypothesis that cancer arises from defective mitochondrial respiration, forcing cells to depend on fermentation for energy production — even in the presence of oxygen. This metabolic shift, known as the Warburg effect, lies at the heart of his theory that cancer is a disease of metabolic dysregulation rather than accumulated genetic mutations.
Research & Influence
- Promotes metabolic-based management of cancer, including therapeutic ketosis, fasting, and targeted nutrient restriction.
- Collaborates with institutions such as MetCancer that explore metabolic oncology and mitochondrial function.
- Publishes in journals such as Nutrition & Metabolism, Frontiers in Oncology, and Carcinogenesis.
Selected Resources
Learn more about Dr. Seyfried’s research and related metabolic-oncology studies at MetCancer.com.
Cancer as a Metabolic Journey: Exploring an Alternative Therapy 