It is not uncommon for medicines to be derived from substances that, in other contexts, would be considered dangerous. Many anticancer drugs fall into this category. A recent study has shown that cancer growth could be suppressed by eliminating signals sent by nerves that are linked to cancer stem cells. This approach has been tested on mice and is soon to be tested on humans.
One of the most widely used products in the United States is Botox, which is derived from Botulinum Toxin A and Myobloc by B. Botox is often used to treat wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause facial expressions. It can be injected by gastroscopy and only requires the patient to stay in the hospital for a few hours. Recent press reports have also suggested that Botox can increase survival rates when used in conjunction with chemotherapy.
Scientists are now using Botox to interrupt nervous system signals that are responsible for the growth of cancer cells. This could mean a faster recovery for the patient and a greater chance of eradicating the tumor. While research is still in its early stages, it appears that Botox may be able to help cancer respond better to treatment. Botox is well known as a beauty treatment, but it is also used for different medical indications.
While it's true that Botox comes from bacteria, that doesn't necessarily mean it's harmful. While we'll have to wait for more tests, initial findings seem promising.
