Popular Painkiller may Stimulate Cancer Growth
by Alan Muir
Although morphine is a common pain reliever for chronic cancer pain, a recent study indicates the painkiller may encourage the spread of cancer cells in the body. Researchers from the University of Chicago Medical Center presented their findings at the Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics meeting on November 18, 2009, explaining morphine may inhibit the immune system, increase the growth angiogenesis (blood vessels that feed tumors), and increase cancer cell proliferation. The study found lung cancer cells that were not exposed to morphine did not proliferate as much as cancer cells that did come in contact with the opiate drug.
Other studies have indicated that cancer patients receiving a local opiate treatment lived longer, than those that received a general treatment. Researchers from the University of Chicago are also looking at methylnaltrexone, a drug that reduces morphine side effects. They claim it may inhibit the cancer growth that is caused by morphine. Lab results have indicated this drug can reduce the proliferation of cancer by 90%.
Reference
Easton J. Common pain relief medication may encourage cancer growth. Retrieved on November 19, 2009 from
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-11/uocm-cpr111609.php
