Scientific evidence supports a possible role of Lidocaine in inhibiting the activity of tumor cells. Lidocaine is not a chemotherapy drug, but a commonly used anesthetic, which appears to reduce the risk of post-operative relapses, when administered in dosages not associated with systemic toxicity.
lidocaine likely inhibits proliferation and viability of tumor cells by exerting an anti-inflammatory action. Furthermore, its use in local anesthesia during breast cancer removal surgery has shown improvement in disease survival. The trial involved 1583 women recruited in 11 Indian centers, all diagnosed with surgically-removable breast cancer. It was observed that, time after treatment, patients did not present metastases.
The study published in the British Journal of Anesthesia was based on previous epidemiological research, which reported a link between the anesthetic Lidocaine and a reduction in the incidence of tumor recurrence. This has opened new scenarios for its use as in fact Lidocaine is very well tolerated and has been used for years in various fields of medicine. In addition to its use in breast cancer treatment, some benefits have also been found for prostate cancer.
This latest research was conducted by an Institute in Bellin zona in collaboration with the Cantonal Hospital Authority.
Lidocaine blocks the transmission of chemokine receptor signals, which "guide the traffic" of cells to secondary sites, thereby effectively blocking the possibility of metastasis. Epidemiological studies attest its validity in post-operative use to relieve pain.
Scientific discoveries occur when talent, intuition and observation skills come together: patients treated with lidocaine show prolonged survival and reduced relapse. As said, lidocaine is well tolerated and could constitute an effective weapon against metastases once identified the effective dosage to avoid toxicity.
Professor Antonio Giordano, M.D., Ph.D., is the creator and head of the Sbarro Health Research Organization, located at Temple University's College of Science and Technology in Philadelphia. Stay connected with him through his various social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram, to receive the latest updates.