Abstract 4223: Possible usefulness of spirulina platensis for supression of some cases of hepatocellular carcinoma, multiple case study

Abstract

Backgrownd and study aims; One of the most frequent carcinoma through the world is hepato cellular carcinoma (HCC). It is rapidly fatal with a life expectancy of about 6 months from the time of diagnosis. The disease is more prevalent in parts of Africa and Asia with a strong etiological association with viral hepatitis, haemochromatosis, known carcinogen and toxins. There are many therapeutic options for HCC including; surgical operations, chemotherapy, radiofrequency, immune therapy and gene therapy. The use of natural products as drugs is gaining increasing interest especially due to reduced side effects, if any. In this study, we followed up hepatic patients with HCC, taking hot water extract of sterilized blue green alga, spirulina platenesis. Seven volunteers with cirrhotic liver resulting from chronic viral C hepatitis that had developed HCC were followed up in this work. All available investigations including laboratory and imaging facilities were done before starting the study and repeated monthly for follow up during the study.Results; After 10-15 months, patients are still alive, showing an improvement in the general condition with an obvious regression of the tumor size as well as, better liver functions. Also no obvious side effects were detected during the study.Conclusion; These observations may direct our attentions towards the possibility that the “water extract of sterilized blue green algae; spirulina platenesis” may be of therapeutic value in treatment and/or amelioration of symptoms of hepato cellular carcinoma especially in cirrhotic patients. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4223. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4223

Pharmacological Properties of Spirulina Species: Hepatoprotective, Antioxidant and Anticancer Effects

“…The study showed that spirulina did not have an antitumour effect against solid Ehrlich's carcinoma and increased mortality when combined with the standard chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil. These findings indicate that the anticancer effects of spirulina are not always positive and there's other herbal extract may by used with it to increase the effect [60]. This study could be useful to health professionals, teachers and researchers who wish to expand their knowledge about spirulina.…”