Mesothelioma is a rare but difficult form of cancer which develops in the mesothelium, or lining, of the lungs. It has been linked to exposure to asbestos and has been the subject of numerous class-action law suits because of this. Mesothelioma has proven to be difficult to treat and the prognosis and rate of survival are not always very good. That is why scientists are seeking to discover alternative therapies to help patients with this condition.
A recent study out of Germany, however, researchers have found that one possible answer to this problem might lie in a common Indian spice, turmeric. The active ingredient in this spice, curcumin, is once again proving its ability to impact human health by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. But just why is curcumin so good for fighting cancer?
Curcumin and its Anti-Cancer Benefits
One way curcumin appears to help cancer patients is its strong antioxidant, compounds that have a proven history of being able to protect the body from invasion by activated molecules called free radicals. It is the oxidation damage to the cells caused by these free radicals which is believed to be the underlying problem for many illnesses, including cancer.
The American Cancer Society itself has endorsed the use of turmeric for its antioxidant power. In past results, curcumin has demonstrated this power by interfering with several molecular pathways which have been linked to the presence, reproduction and metastasis (spread) of cancer cells. In several studies, curcumin was linked not only to slowing the growth of tumors, but also of helping the body to actively kill of the cancer cells in question.
The Most Recent Study
In this most recent study, researchers working together in Germany and Ohio tested tissue samples from mesothelioma patients taken from all across America. They noted that the primary driving factors for this study was the fact that traditional treatment options do not always prove affective for this specific type of cancer, and researchers from Case Western Reserve School of Medicine acknowledge that new treatment options are needed.
What they found was that mesothelioma – and they think maybe other cancers as well – is triggered by action of STAT3, a compound which helps to promote the survival and growth of cells, including cancer cells, throughout the body. However, STAT3 is naturally inhibited by another factors, known as PIAS3, which can slow or even eliminate the ability of STAT3 to promote this cancer growth. Curcumin comes into play by raising the levels of PIAS3 in the body and making it easier to stop the action of STAT3 to begin with.
Researchers, who found that mesothelioma patients who show high levels of PIAS3 have a 44% less chance of dying from the disease, are hopeful that this new study can eventually lead to the development of better treatments for this cancer.
Further research is definitely called for to find out more about the ways that curcumin can benefit cancer patients, particularly those with mesothelioma. However, preliminary results from the studies mentioned in this article are certainly promising and offer new hope to patients and give them choices for treatment that involve natural remedies.
Sources: medicaldaily.com , casemed.case.edu, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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