A new study is shedding light on the benefits of capsaicin for mesothelioma cancer.
Specifically, researchers have discovered that the capsaicin in chili peppers could weaken mesothelioma cells and make them more sensitive to chemotherapy. This is a very important finding since mesothelioma is usually diagnosed in the later stages, and many patients become resistant to chemotherapy over time.
“This research could pave the way for further studies to evaluate the use of capsaicin for mesothelioma treatment,” said Dr. Antonio Giordano, President of the Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO) and professor at Temple University.
Capsaicin is the natural chemical that gives chili peppers their spice, and it’s been used for its medicinal properties for many years.
Learn about the latest research on capsaicin and see how it could potentially help mesothelioma patients.
Breaking Down the Latest Research on Capsaicin and Mesothelioma
In the recent study, which was published in the journal Nutrients, researchers tested capsaicin’s impact on mesothelioma cells to see if it made them more vulnerable to chemotherapy.
Researchers used the following methods to test capsaicin for mesothelioma:
- Cell growth: They studied how mesothelioma cells divide and multiply using a lab test called MTS assays.
- Additional tests: They performed two more tests to observe how mesothelioma cells reacted to capsaicin.
- Protein analysis: Finally, they looked at how capsaicin interacted with MAPK and AKT, two proteins that help mesothelioma cells survive and function.
The results of these tests led to the same conclusion: capsaicin makes mesothelioma cells more vulnerable to cisplatin — a widely used chemotherapy drug — by suppressing key growth proteins.
While further research is required, there’s hope that this method of fighting mesothelioma may be used in the near future to help patients live longer.
New medications are regularly being tested to fight mesothelioma. But finding the right doctors and treatments can be challenging, particularly if you’re in a rural area. Use our Free Doctor Match service to get help connecting with mesothelioma specialists at top cancer centers.
What Does Capsaicin Do to Cancer Cells?
The study found capsaicin can stop cancer cells from spreading by disrupting their growth cycle. This makes the cells more vulnerable to cancer-fighting chemotherapy medications.
“There is evidence that capsaicin may sensitize mesothelioma cells to chemotherapy, making treatment more effective, and that it may reduce the spread of mesothelioma.”
– Dr. Antonio Giordano, SHRO president
Ultimately, capsaicin was proven to have an anti-tumor effect on cisplatin-resistant mesothelioma cells. Cisplatin is a leading chemotherapy drug, so used in conjunction with capsaicin, it can target and destroy more mesothelioma cells.
Capsaicin has been used to treat joint and muscle pain, inflammation, and heart issues for decades.
While capsaicin has shown promising effects in animal studies, doctors are still studying how to use it safely and effectively in humans at doses high enough to fight cancer without causing side effects. More mesothelioma clinical trials are needed to study how it can help patients.
Get Help Accessing Mesothelioma Treatments
If you or a loved one is facing mesothelioma, the fact that capsaicin therapy and other new treatment approaches are constantly being researched can inspire hope.
Staying informed about the latest advances in mesothelioma treatment can give you more options for fighting this rare cancer.
Call us at (866) 608-8933 or use our Free Doctor Match service to get help accessing new and emerging treatments after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
