Curcumin, a plant-based substance, could soon be used to treat mesothelioma patients in Pennsylvania and around the world according to a new study. The research was published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in March.
Curcumin is an active compound found in turmeric, which is a common food spice from the ginger family. The compound is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and is used as a complementary treatment for many health conditions. For the study, a team of international researchers reviewed seven separate studies that examined curcumin’s impact on mesothelioma tumor cells in several in vitro and in vivo settings. They found that intraperitoneal administration of curcumin in mice helped increase their survival rates and decrease their chances of developing tumors. They also found that intracavity administration of curcumin reduced tumor mass in the sarcomatoid subtype of mesothelioma. In addition, researchers said that curcumin inhibited the formation of new blood vessels in tumor tissue and suppressed tumor growth via its anti-inflammatory properties and the induction of pyroptosis.
Medical experts say the research is promising, but scientists still need to develop an effective delivery system for the medical use of curcumin. The substance is water-soluble, which significantly reduces its ability to fight cancer in the bloodstream.
Mesothelioma is a rare, preventable cancer caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos. Pennsylvania mesothelioma patients may benefit from contacting an attorney to help them take legal action against the employer or entity that caused exposure to the asbestos. This might lead to a financial settlement that covers the patient’s medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress and more.