Botox can possibly cure cancer: Researchers say

Long known for curing wrinkles and lines from face and neck, Botox has produced several more of its benefits for both aesthetic and medical aspects. Recent studies have suggested that Botox could potentially be a miracle cure for stomach and prostate cancer.

A study conducted by scientists from Columbia University Medical Centre in New York and Norwegian University of Science and Technology examined possibility of any links between nervous system and cancer development.

Animal tests suggested that botulinum toxin, the primary ingredient of Botox halts nerve activity which ultimately inhibits growth of tumours while improving efficiency of chemotherapy treatment by blocking stimulation of carcinogenic stem cells. Tumours are believed to be stimulated and developed by certain nerve signals. However, the researchers are still looking for the nerves involved which may vary among organs and types of cancer.

Co-author Professor Duan Chen, from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, said: ''The anti-cancer effects were remarkable, especially with local vagotomy or by injecting Botox. It actually surprised us. The finding that Botox was highly effective was particularly exciting.''He added: ''We believe this treatment is a good treatment because it can be used locally and it targets the cancer stem cells. The Botox can be injected through gastroscopy (a thin tube passed through the mouth to the stomach) and it only requires the patient to stay in the hospital for a few hours.''

Scientists are confident that Botox combined with chemotherapy procedure can prove to be a fruitful treatment and become an alternative for surgical methods as it targets those cells which break away from tumour.

Despite Botox itself being a toxin, it was found that it showed less toxic effects compared with other cancer treatments and caused fewer complications.

Eleanor Barrie, the senior science communications manager at Cancer Research UK, suggests that this new approach could help fight the disease and also help understand its development.He said:

"This interesting study adds to that evidence, and shows how probing the inner workings of cancer can spark ideas for innovative new treatments. But the research is at an early stage and it's not yet clear if this particular approach could help to save patients' lives."

Botox for anti-wrinkle treatment works by stopping nerve cells to release a neurotransmitter, acetylcholine which reduces wrinkles by limiting muscular activity in the facial area for nearly 6 months.