Shark Cartilage for the Treatment of Cancer

There is not yet a definitive way to use shark cartilage to treat cancer.

Shark cartilage is a popular yet controversial alternative medicine for those suffering from cancer. Despite its popularity, there has yet to be conclusive findings on the effect of shark cartilage on cancer, or on how to administer it. It is not yet approved as cancer-fighting drug by the Food and Drug Administration, and is currently listed as dietary supplement.

Benefits

If found to be effective, the benefits of shark cartilage as treatment against cancer would be that it provides a relatively low cost and gentle option, less taxing on the body than radiation and chemotherapy.

Administration

Because there is not full knowledge regarding shark cartilage and cancer, administration of the cartilage has been experimental and varied. According to the National Cancer Institute, this includes administering the content by mouth, injection, enema, powder or topically. There is not yet a definitive way to use the cartilage.

Theories/Speculation

Although the exact way in which shark cartilage may help in the treatment of cancer is not known, scientists focus primarily on the anti-angiogenesis quality of the cartilage (that is, its ability to stop the blood vessels that feed a tumor's growth). There is also the possibility that it may stimulate the body's immune system and/or prove toxic to the cancerous tumor, according to the Creighton University School of Medicine.

Warning

Although there is potential in this alternative medicine approach, there is much about the treatment's effectiveness and proper application that is unknown. Those who opt for it do so at their own risk. According to the National Cancer Institute, at least one commercially available shark cartilage product had no effect on the growth of cells.

Misconceptions

Shark cartilage as a cancer-fighting substance was initially based on the misconception that sharks are not afflicted by cancer. While that theory has proven to be untrue, continued research has shown that the cartilage does affect cancer tumors and since that discovery researchers have worked to explain why. Also, it is not only shark cartilage that has these properties. Bovine cartilage is similarly effective.

References

• Shark Cartilage: How it Works
• National Cancer Institute: Cartilage (Bovine and Shark)
• John Hopkins Magazine: Predators Promise