Botox May Stop Spread of Stomach Cancer
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iStock/Thinkstock(ATLANTA) — Botox is largely considered a vanity drug because it solves non-life-threatening problems, such as wrinkles on the forehead or crow’s feet. However, Botox could one day be a lifesaver when it comes to fighting at least one form of cancer.
Dr. Len Lichtenfeld, deputy chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society, reports on a new study that involved injecting mice with Botox to stop the spread of stomach cancer.
What researchers found was that by paralyzing nerves that connect to tumors, Botox appears to stop the spread and progression of tumors while improving the odds of surviving the cancer.
Lichtenfeld admits that the results are only preliminary and it will take some time before researchers know whether Botox will produce the same results in humans.
Cases of stomach cancer have been rising in recent years due to obesity and reflux diseases. Unfortunately, they’re often not diagnosed until after the cancer is advanced, requiring either chemotherapy or surgery.
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