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Malaria Drug May Fight Metastatic Breast Cancer

Preliminary research suggests that a very old drug might help women with metastatic breast cancer. Chloroquine has been used since 1947 to prevent or treat malaria. Scientists became intrigued with its potential anti-cancer activity when a study of malaria therapy in Tanzania was associated with a dramatic drop in the incidence of the cancer called Burkitt’s lymphoma. Researchers are investigating the use of choloroquine against several cancers, including small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, multiple myeloma and glioblastoma. Mouse research on its use for metastatic breast cancer has been promising. Now scientists are about to try it in a group of nearly 50 women whose breast cancer has stopped responding to standard therapy. This pilot trial will last 6 months.

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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