Hit breast cancer cells where it hurts

A new study finds that compounds derived from the spices turmeric and pepper could help prevent breast cancer by limiting the growth of stem cells, the small number of cells that fuel a tumor's growth. Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center have found that when the dietary compounds curcumin, were applied to breast cells in culture, they decreased the number of stem cells while having no effect on normal differentiated cells. "If we can limit the number of stem cells, we can limit the number of cells with potential to form tumors," says lead author Madhuri Kakarala,

Cancer stem cells are the small number of cells within a tumor that fuel the tumor's growth. Current chemotherapies do not work against these cells, which is why cancer recurs and spreads. Researchers believe that eliminating the cancer stem cells is key to controlling cancer. In addition, decreasing the number of normal stem cells -- unspecialized cells that can give rise to any type of cell in that organ -- can decrease the risk of cancer. In this study, a solution of curcumin and piperine was applied to the cell cultures at the equivalent of about 20 times the potency of what could be consumed through diet. The compounds are available at this potency in a capsule form that could be taken by mouth.

This paper, published online in the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, is the first to suggest these dietary compounds could prevent cancer by targeting stem cells. Researchers are planning an initial Phase I clinical trial to determine what dose of curcumin or piperine can be tolerated in people. Funding was provided by the National Institutes of Health.

Steve - this study is extremely important for two reasons. First, this treatment can apply to many forms of cancer because if it hits at the heart of the cancer cell's fuel source, it will have a much harder time spreading. Second, the study was funded by NIH, which will give it much more validity to the allopathic community.

My one worry about this discovery: Big Pharma will find a way to make the natural, active chemicals into synthetic chemicals. We have seen over time that synthetic substances do not always work the same way as the natural and sometimes come with much greater side effects.

What Big Pharma does not realize is that over time, plants and humans have evolved together. Because of this symbiotic relationship, our bodies recognizes the natural chemicals in curcumin and puts them to good use. The way we react to unrecognizable, synthetic chemicals is much different.

Now does this mean that all of us should go out and buy curcumin? Absolutely not. It needs to be prescribed on an individualized basis. Because it is high in salicylic acid, there is a significant part off the population that do not tolerate salicylates, especially at supplemental doses.