It has been suggested that the famous "blue pill", Viagra, may be capable of weakening melanoma (otherwise known as skin cancer). Viagra’s active ingredient, sildenafil - well known for its ability to tackle male impotence, is the subject of a study testing its efficacy against cancer. It would seem from preliminary studies that the substance acts on the immune system by inhibiting a specific mechanism that positively affects tumour growth.
Scientists, from the 'University Medical Center Mannheim, Germany, working on this particular study are analysing the effectiveness of Viagra against melanoma. The research aims to find a substance able to block the subtle mechanism by which melanoma grows and spreads. In fact, the inflammation that occurs as a cause of cancer, spread by blocking the recruitment of T cells and the latter have the important task of defending the body.
Results obtained to date from research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), have emphasized that sildenafil is able to reactivate the immune system and call up T-cells, necessary to inhibit the inflammatory state caused by the tumour. These data were obtained from studies on animals, specifically rodents suffering from this type of human cancer. Studies are continuing in order to reach a certain therapy to treat melanoma. Prima-med confirms the studies are in the preliminary stages. Whilst a link has been discovered there is no conclusive evidence available. It is likely further research spanning several years will be required to establish the effects of the drug on human carcinoma.
