Shark cartilage shows no benefit for lung cancer patients

Lung Cancer :: Shark cartilage shows no benefit for lung cancer patients

In the first scientific study of its kind, shark cartilage extract, AE-941 or neovastat, has shown no benefit as a therapeutic agent when combined with chemotherapy and radiation for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, researchers say.

Non-small cell lung cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the lung. Smoking can increase the risk of developing non-small cell lung cancer. Possible signs of non-small cell lung cancer include a cough that doesn't go away and shortness of breath.

The study was presented by associate professor in the University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center Charles Lu on Saturday at the 43rd annual meeting of the American clinical oncology.

The international Phase III study enrolled 384 newly-diagnosed untreated Stage III non-small cell lung cancer patients at 53 sites in the United Sates and in Canada from June 2000 to February 2006. M D Anderson enrolled 60 patients in the trial.

The study was initiated at the request of, and was supported by, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) who sought proposals from pharmaceutical companies regarding their shark cartilage agents.

All study participants received the standard treatment of induction chemotherapy and chemo-radiation. Patients were randomised to receive either shark cartilage or placebo, both in the form of a liquid. Patients drank four ounces of the extract twice daily, and continued on the shark cartilage/placebo as maintenance after completing standard therapy.