Shark blood may help fight cancer

Australian scientists have found that shark blood could contain a weapon in the fight against cancer. Sharks have immune systems similar to humans and researchers believe that their biological and chemical defences could help slow the spread of certain diseases. Phil Mercer reports:

Sharks have unusual antibodies which are exceptionally resilient, as you'd expect from predators with such a fearsome reputation. Scientists have found that these disease-busting substances can withstand high temperatures as well as extremely acidic or alkaline conditions.

What's of particular interest to Australian researchers is the antibodies' ability to survive in the harsh environment of the human gut, which is crucial to the development of a cancer-fighting pill.

Sharks were chosen for the project because they have robust immune systems and rarely succumb to infections. There is evidence that their antibodies can slow the spread of breast cancer.

The aim is to eventually establish a clinical trial as efforts continue to develop this unconventional new technology that could also help in the treatment of malaria and rheumatoid arthritis.

Phil Mercer, BBC, Sydney

antibodies
substances which are a part of blood and which help to protect against diseases

resilient
strong and difficult to destroy

predators
animals which hunt and kill other animals for food

a fearsome reputation
are regarded to be very scary

disease-busting
destroying diseases

gut
stomach and digestive system

robust immune systems
strong natural biological protection from diseases

rarely succumb to infections
don't get ill very much

a clinical trial
a scientific test of a medicine or treatment using human subjects

rheumatoid arthritis
a medical condition which causes pain and swelling in the joints