Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Cells, Microbes & Viruses => Topic started by: Joanne on 29/01/2012 11:35:56

Title: Could scorpion venom shrink brain tumours?
Post by: Joanne on 29/01/2012 11:35:56

Joanne asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Dear Chris

I would be very grateful if you could answer my question.

I have been told that there is currently research going on - I think in Cuba - into the efficacy of scorpion venom as a means of shrinking brain tumours.  I need to know how far this research has gone, and whether scorpion venom would work on meningeomas. 

Thank you for your help.

Sincerely
Joanne

What do you think?

Title: Re: Could scorpion venom shrink brain tumours?
Post by: Don_1 on 30/01/2012 12:16:48

Take a look at this report from the BBC on the use of a synthetic copy of the Giant Yellow Isreali Scorpion. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/5214784.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/5214784.stm)


And this from CNN on the Cuban Blue Scorpion http://edition.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/10/23/cancer.scorpion.venom/ (http://edition.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/10/23/cancer.scorpion.venom/)

It is worth notting that research into the Blue Scorpion venom has come into question.

Read this also http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090416133816.htm (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090416133816.htm)

I would advise against getting your hopes up. Disappointment in such circumstances can be devestating.

I wish you the best of luck.