Honeybee Venom Reduced Metastases Of Breast Cancer To The Lung

How bees can cure cancer

We have previously discussed the difficulties faced trying to treat cancer. Cancer is caused by faulty cells replicating and spreading out of control. To destroy cancer our current medication targets and destroys rapidly replicating cells through chemo and radiotherapy, or specifically target cells displaying cancer markers with newer chemo and immunotherapy agents. Unfortunately, these methods have side effects damaging healthy replicating tissue, causing hair loss, gut problems, infertility and more. We are always on the hunt for newer, more targeted therapy that only hits cancer cells and leaves our healthy tissue alive. Sometimes the ideas for these chemicals come from the most unlikely sources.

This month, they came from bees.

Bees have been the source of many medicinal products, including honey, propolis, and even the venom has previously been found to have anti-tumour effects. It has shown to have some effect in melanoma, lung cancer, glioblastoma, leukaemia, ovarian, cervical and pancreatic cancers. It is able to be selective against these cancerous cells, leaving the healthy cells relatively untouched.

Until recently it has been a mystery how the honeybee venom works. In their September 2020 paper, the researchers were able to produce a synthetic version of the honeybee venom (melittin) and observe its action on cancer cells. They found it punctured the cancer cell surface and form holes on the surface. 20 minutes later they also interfered with the cancer signalling pathways inside that are vital to let cancer cells grow and replicate unimpeded.

When combined with known chemotherapy agents, the melittin pores allowed the chemo agents to enter cancer cells more effectively and work more effectively. This was able to reduce tumour growth in mice more efficiently.

The paper also demonstrated its effectiveness in triple-negative breast cancer. This form of breast cancer does not express oestrogen and progesterone receptors, nor do they have HER2 proteins. As a result, they are very difficult to target with chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. The fact melittin was able to potentiate the effects of current chemotherapy against triple-negative breast cancer shows its potential as an agent in fighting breast cancer.

Of course, it is early days yet, and these experiments have only been conducted in mice. It will be a few years until the therapy can be trialled with any confidence in human subjects. Nevertheless, it is interesting to see how innovative medical researchers are in procuring new therapies in the fight against cancer.

Read Blog

Understanding Cervical Cancer: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

Cervical cancer is a pressing health concern for women worldwide. This blog aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of cervical cancer, including its symptoms, prevention, and treatment options. By addressing keywords like cervical, abnormal vaginal bleeding, papilloma vaccine, incompetent cervix, cervical vaccine cost, and cervical problems, we aim to make this guide informative and practical.

Early Signs of Cervical Cancer in Women

Early detection of cervical cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. The early signs of cervical cancer in women often include:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding: This symptom is one of the most common warning signs. It may occur between periods, after intercourse, or post-menopause.
Pelvic pain: Persistent or intermittent pelvic pain unrelated to menstrual cycles can signal a problem.
Unusual vaginal discharge: Discharge that is watery, bloody, or has a foul odour warrants medical attention.

Regular check-ups and awareness of these symptoms are crucial for early diagnosis.

The Role of HPV and Vaccination

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a primary cause of cervical cancer. Fortunately, HPV vaccination provides a robust line of defence against this virus. Adhering to HPV vaccination guidelines for cervical cancer prevention can reduce the risk significantly.

Papilloma vaccine: Administered to young individuals, ideally before exposure to HPV, this vaccine is highly effective.
Cervical vaccine cost: While costs may vary, many governments and organizations offer subsidized or free vaccination programs.

Promoting widespread vaccination is key to reducing the global burden of cervical cancer.

Cervical Cancer Screening Recommendations by Age

Regular screening is vital for early detection. Here are the cervical cancer screening recommendations by age:

Ages 21-29: A Pap smear every three years is recommended.
Ages 30-65: A combination of a Pap smear and HPV test every five years is ideal, or a Pap smear alone every three years.
Above 65: Women with a history of normal results may discontinue screening after consulting their healthcare provider.

Screening helps identify pre-cancerous changes, enabling timely intervention.

Understanding Cervical Problems and Their Impact

Various cervical problems can contribute to the risk of developing cancer. One such condition is an incompetent cervix, where the cervical tissue weakens, potentially complicating pregnancies. Awareness and early medical intervention are critical for managing such issues.

Treatment Options for Early-Stage Cervical Cancer

For those diagnosed early, several treatment options for early-stage cervical cancer are available:

Surgery: Procedures like a hysterectomy can remove cancerous tissues effectively.
Radiation therapy: Often combined with chemotherapy, this treatment targets and destroys cancer cells.
Chemotherapy: Used in conjunction with other treatments to manage advanced stages.

Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s specific needs and cancer stage.

Survival Rates for Cervical Cancer by Stage

The prognosis for cervical cancer improves with early detection. The survival rates for cervical cancer by stage are as follows:

Stage I: The five-year survival rate exceeds 90%.
Stage II: Survival rates range from 60% to 80%.
Stage III: The rates drop to around 50%.
Stage IV: Survival rates are below 30%.

These statistics underscore the importance of regular screenings and early intervention.

Side Effects of Radiation Therapy for Cervical Cancer

Radiation therapy is a common treatment for cervical cancer but may cause side effects. Understanding the side effects of radiation therapy for cervical cancer can help patients prepare:

Fatigue: A common but manageable side effect.
Skin irritation: Redness and soreness around the treatment area.
Digestive issues: Nausea and diarrhoea are not uncommon.

Healthcare providers offer strategies to mitigate these effects and ensure patient comfort during treatment.

Prevention: A Multifaceted Approach

Preventing cervical cancer involves a combination of vaccination, regular screenings, and healthy lifestyle choices. Here’s how to reduce your risk:

Get vaccinated: Ensure that you or your loved ones receive the HPV vaccine.
Routine screenings: Adhere to recommended screening schedules.
Practice safe sex: Limiting the number of sexual partners and using protection reduces HPV transmission risks.
Quit smoking: Tobacco use increases the likelihood of cervical and other cancers.

Embrace Your Health with SecondMedic

At SecondMedic, we prioritize your health and well-being. Whether you need guidance on cervical cancer screening recommendations by age or information on the cervical vaccine cost, our experts are here to help. Early detection and prevention are your strongest allies against cervical cancer.

Take charge of your health today. Schedule a consultation with SecondMedic and explore personalized healthcare solutions.