Turmeric prevents radiation damage to skin.

[Guest guest]

Source:University Of Rochester Medical

CenterDate:2002-10-08URL:http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/10/0210080700\

58.htm

 

Common Spice May Protect Skin During Radiation Therapy For Cancer

--\

-----

 

Cancer researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have found that

curcumin, a substance in curry long believed to have health benefits, seems to

protect skin during radiation therapy. Doctors say that while further study is

needed, cancer patients could consider eating foods with curry during their

radiation treatment.

 

Curcumin, the substance that gives turmeric its yellow color, is a natural

anti-inflammatory compound and scientists have already shown that it can

suppress tumor blood vessel growth. This process, called anti-angiogenesis, can

strangle tumors. Now, James P. Wilmot Cancer Center researchers have discovered

through a study of mice that curcumin may protect skin from the burns and

blisters that often occur during radiation treatment.

 

“This is significant because skin damage is a real problem for patients

undergoing radiation to treat their tumors. If a non-toxic, natural substance

can help prevent this damage and enhance the effectiveness of our radiation,

that’s a winning situation,” said Paul Okunieff , M.D., chief of radiation

oncology at the Wilmot Cancer Center. Scientists presented results of the pilot

study at the 44th annual meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic

Radiology and Oncology on Monday, Oct. 7, in New Orleans.

 

The team of researchers, led by Ivan Ding, M.D., assistant professor of

radiation oncology, studied the impact of various doses of curcumin on skin

protection in mice given radiation therapy. The difference in skin damage was

dramatic.

 

“There were far fewer blisters or burns on the mice who had been given

curcumin,” Ding said.

 

In the study, 200 mice were given three different doses of curcumin for five to

seven days. On the fifth day, mice were given a single dose of radiation and

scientists waited 20 days to assess skin damage. The mice who received curcumin

had minimal skin damage caused by radiation. Scientists also found the substance

suppresses development of new cells in the area of tumor, thus furthering the

effectiveness of radiation. While doctors are not ready to say that curcumin is

the answer to preventing skin damage, researchers believe the results

demonstrate the need for more extensive study.

 

Researchers plan further scrutiny of curcumin and combinations with other

anti-inflammatory compounds to determine what could be the best way to prevent

skin damage, Ding said.

 

“Nearly all cancer patients who get radiation treatment experience some form of

skin damage – from mild sunburn all the way to blisters – that is painful for

many,” Okunieff said. “If we can find a simple way to help prevent that, it

would make treatment a bit easier.”

 

 

This story has been adapted from a news release issued by University Of

Rochester Medical Center.