Skin Cancer

Researchers at the University of Texas have used breakthrough nano-technology to treat melanomas in lab rats. The researchers have equipped gold nano-spheres with peptides that target melanoma cells, penetrate them and, as they are heated with lasers, cook the targeted cells. Nanotechnology is the future of cancer treatment; since the evolution of cancer happens at a nano level, the treatment of the cancer at this level is the most effective. Nano particles are hundreds of times smaller than human cells. They act independently and if the particles are programmed to target cancer cells, the treatment is also minimally invasive.

The researchers discovered that the peptide-armed particles are eight times more effective than similar non-targeted nano-particles. Previously, it was difficult to differentiate healthy cells from cancerous cells with nano-particles. However, the peptide the US researches used is highly targeted to melanocortin type 1 receptors that are present in large amounts in melanoma cells.

Photothermal ablution is used to heat up the particles to enable them to destroy the cancerous cells. Photothermal treatment was originally used without the nano-particles and instead made use of optical fibers to administer the heat, but this was potentially dangerous as the light hits and cooks healthy cells as well. The nano-spheres absorb the infra-red light and change it to heat and only 12% of the photothermal dose is needed when implemented with the gold spheres. The spheres are made from pure gold, which is medically very safe and has few side effects.

One of the problems with using nanospheres is that they can invade the liver and spleen because any foreign substance that your body doesn't recognise is sent to the liver to be broken down. However, the researchers noted that the targeted nano-particles completely penetrate the tumor and stay there - very few were found in the liver and spleen of the lab rats.

Senior author of the research paper, Dr Chun Li said that active targeting of nanoparticles to tumors is the holy grail in therapeutic nanotechnology for cancer, and that their research team is one step closer to reaching this goal. Melonoma is the deadliest skin cancer, and one of the deadliest forms of cancer as it spreads very rapidly. Incidence of this cancer is increasing, with one person dying of this disease every hour. Treatment for melanomas has been slow to evolve, until recently the treatment was the same as it was thirty years ago; while treatment for breast and prostate cancer has improved dramatically. The targeted gold nano-spheres will change this, and this treatment can eventually be applied to other cancers.

It seems like every time you turn your head, there is a story about the health benefits of turmeric and skin cancer prevention appears to be one of them, so what is the secret of this humble herb?

Long used in Indian and Chinese medicine, this herb has an active ingredient called curcumin responsible for its extraordinary powers. This is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substance which can help naturally heal many of today's diseases.

With regards to turmeric and skin cancer, it appears to induce the melanoma cells to kills themselves while leaving the healthy cells alone. This fact cannot be underestimated when you realize that current chemotherapy treatment kills the healthy cells as well.

Another important factor is that with chemotherapy treatment for example, your body's immune systems is severely compromised and you are open to infection, whilst with natural herbs like turmeric, they actually boost your immune system at the same time.

Research still has a way to go but one scientist described it as, "one of the most perfect designer substances for fighting cancer." Quite a statement to make and one of the reasons millions of dollars are being pumped into research.

Another intriguing fact is that curcumin seems to be able to stop cancer spreading, partly by improving the function of the liver. This is a key area many scientists are now investigating as this ability could save many lives.

Not only is turmeric and skin cancer being looked at but many other areas such as protecting against heart disease and lowering dangerous LDL or bad cholesterol levels, so much has this herb to offer us.

You can get the benefits of this and other synergistic nutrients now in the form of a quality multi health supplement. Look for one that has 95% pure curcumin extract and piperine from black pepper, as this significantly increases its absorption rate.

In the short term you may notice improved memory and clearer thinking and not fall victim so often to common colds and flu, due to the boost to your metabolism. More importantly you will be helping to prevent many of the dangerous diseases in the future.

Turmeric and skin cancer prevention and cure is just the beginning.

Visit my website today to learn more about how to choose a quality turmeric supplement.