Short-term calorie and protein restriction provide partial protection from chemotoxicity but do not delay glioma progression

► Prolonged CR regimens significantly reduce glucose and IGF-1 at 20% weight-loss. ► Calorie restriction, not macronutrient contents, improves stress resistance. ► A diet high in protein diminishes beneficial effects of CR on stress resistance. ► A low protein diet does not delay glioma progression. ► 50% CR for 3 days does not augment cisplatin chemotherapy.