RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENl

Fishing for a cancer cure Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may have a dual

role in cancer, inhibiting solid tumour growth and preventing weight loss in affected patients. This substance from oily fish is the second potential antineoplastic discovered by researchers at Aston University, UK [see Inpharma 847: 9,25 lui 1992].

Animal studies have shown that EPA blocks unique tumour-produced proteins which help provide the nutrients required for tumour growth. The tumour proteins break down adipose and muscle tissue to release the nutrients, resulting in the muscle wasting and weakness often associated with cancer. In these studies, animals treated with EPA showed inhibition of growth and regression of solid, well established tumours.

Eicosapentaenoic acid is the first anticancer agent that works by having no

effect on cell proliferation. Professor Michael Tisdale. Head of the Cancer

Research Campaign at Aston University. UK.

EPA appears to inhibit tumour growth by increasing the tumour cell death rate, leading researchers to speculate that EPA will be associated with minimal adverse effects. Trials with the antineoplastic in patients with solid tumours are planned for later this year. According to Professor Tisdale, tumours of the stomach, lung, pancreas and colon may be especially susceptible to EPA, since they are commonly associated with muscle wasting and weakness.

Other possible options following this discovery include developing antagonists to these tumour proteins and developing a test to detect the tumour proteins in blood or urine of patients with weight loss, to aid earlier detection of cancer. Second antitumour agent for Aston cancer unit. Pharmaceutical Journal 250: 4X. 9 Jan 1993 ~"I7".1

ISSN 0156-2703/9310130-0011/$1.000 Adis International Ltd

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INPHARMA~30 Jan 1993