Spider venom to be tested as cancer cure
Posted on August 18, 2012, Saturday
BRISBANE: Queensland scientists are investigating the possible use of spider venom as a cure for breast cancer. Researchers at James Cook University in Cairns are to study the medicinal properties of funnel-web spider and tarantula venom, AAP reported.
Queensland Science Minister Ros Bates said the research was on the back of international studies that suggested certain toxins in spider venom could block cancer-causing enzymes.
“They are looking at ways in which the venom may be able to block or kill breast cancer cells – so it could actually lead to a cure,” Bates told AAP yesterday.
“It’s very early days, but it’s fairly ground-breaking research.”
The research is being jointly funded by the state government, the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Breast Cancer Foundation.
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