A groundbreaking study has revealed that a chemical compound present in black licorice may hold the key to combating one of the most lethal forms of cancer. Research conducted on mice has indicated that isoliquiritigenin (ISL), a flavonoid found in licorice root used in traditional Chinese medicine, has the potential to eliminate pancreatic cancer cells and enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy treatments.
Led by Dr. Joshua Ko Ka-Shun in Hong Kong, the study uncovered that ISL has the ability to hinder the growth of pancreatic cancer cells and induce cell death when injected directly into tumors. The survival rate of these cancer cells decreased by 50 to 80 percent, depending on the dosage of ISL. Furthermore, late-stage apoptosis, or cell death, occurred in 11 to 13 percent of cells treated with ISL, compared to less than five percent in untreated cells. This unique compound works by blocking autophagy, a natural cellular process responsible for removing damaged or unnecessary components.
The research team also explored the effects of ISL when combined with the chemotherapy drugs gemcitabine (GEM) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). These drugs often have low success rates, with patient resistance developing after only a few months of treatment. However, the addition of ISL to GEM resulted in an 18 percent suppression of cancer cell growth, while the combination with 5-FU hindered growth by 30 percent.
Pancreatic cancer is currently the third deadliest form of cancer in the United States, with a survival rate of just 12.5 percent after five years. It is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to its inconspicuous early symptoms, such as jaundice and abdominal pain. As the disease progresses, the survival rate plummets to as low as three percent. Consequently, pancreatic cancer has earned the reputation of being a “silent killer.” Moreover, its incidence is on the rise, with annual increases of one percent since 2000.
Although the research is still in its early stages, Dr. Ko emphasizes caution and advises against consuming large amounts of licorice in an attempt to prevent cancer. However, he remains optimistic about the potential of ISL and its possible use in pancreatic cancer treatments in the coming years. Dr. Ko expressed his desire to collaborate with other research partners to further evaluate the effectiveness and potential clinical application of ISL in fighting pancreatic cancer.
In conclusion, this ground-breaking study offers new hope in the battle against pancreatic cancer by highlighting the potential of a chemical compound found in black licorice. With further research and collaboration, ISL could pave the way for novel treatment approaches in the near future.
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