Skin cancer is treatable with soap made from salicylic acid and Vitamin A.
Meanwhile in California a research team has discovered Vitamin D’s cancer-fighting potential. Pancreatic tumours are often surrounded by protective connective tissue (or fibroblasts), making it hard for medication to reach cancer cells.
However, a particular molecule in the tissue is activated by Vitamin D, which in turn stunts fibroblasts’ growth and makes the tissue more penetrable.
In a clinical study, patients with metastatic pancreatic tumours received standard chemotherapy alongside an artificially-produced Vitamin D analogue.
Treatment was more successful with than without the analogue, and in some cases there was no further advancement in the cancer. Larger studies are planned.
Fluorescent agents also help detect pancreatic cancer early.
