Botulinum toxin can be used in oncology

The modern beauty industry uses botulinum toxin to solve a wide range of cosmetic problems. But the development of modern classical medicine does not stand still. And already now, botulinum toxin has migrated from the office of a cosmetologist, into the hands of scientists involved in the study of means of combating cancer. Today, the editors of Estet-portal will tell you about the latest study, which involves the use of botulinum toxin in an unusual way for us.

A new study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine has shown that botulinum toxin can be used to treat stomach cancer. The scientists came to these conclusions after studies conducted on mice. During tests in animals with stomach cancer, a positive trend was observed after the use of botulinum toxin. Due to the effect on the nerve endings, the drug stopped the growth of the tumor.

Based on this, a clinical trial was initiated at the University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, Norway, in people with stomach cancer. During these trials, scientists from Norway and the US are investigating the role of nerve endings in tumor development. The fact is that botulinum toxin affects precisely the nerve endings, thereby eliminating the factor that regulates tumor growth.

It is expected that the drug can be administered to patients directly into the affected area using a thin tube that is passed through the mouth to the stomach. Direct administration will allow patients to spend less time in the hospital. It is also worth noting the fact that botulinum toxin is less toxic than the same chemotherapy. In mice, injections did not cause adverse reactions.

But at the same time, doctors noted that the most effective way to treat stomach cancer could be the use of botulinum toxin along with chemotherapy. According to scientists, from such a combined treatment, the result will be better and faster. After all, botulinum toxin not only affects the nerve endings, but also increases the effectiveness of chemotherapy due to the fact that cancer cells become more responsive to traditional drugs. In mice, this treatment reduced mortality by 35% compared to conventional chemotherapy alone.