Scorpion Venom to Save Breasts and Sex Life

Thousands of people get bitten by scorpions annually and only in Mexico they inflict 400-1000 deaths each year. But beyond the dark image of these bugs, American researchers say that in their venom they have discovered the universal panacea in treating a wide range of cancers.

There are about 2000 species of scorpions, widely distributed south of 49° N, lacking just in New Zealand, Pacific islands and Antarctica. Most of them are harmless, being too small or their venom being too weak, even if the sting of many scorpions causes just pain, minimal swelling, tenderness, and warmth at the sting site. Still, some induce an extremely painful sting and their venom can even be deadly. All these species are tropical.

American scientists have discovered that, when applied to tumors, the chlorotoxin molecules encountered in scorpion venom react differently to cancerous and to the healthy tissue, even if the cancer cells are just a few hundreds; consequently, the venom could be applied in the treatment of a large array of cancers. This biochemical could help guide surgeons towards a more successful treatment. "By allowing surgeons to see cancer that would be undetectable by other means, we can give our patients better outcomes," said lead researcher Dr. James Olson.

They attached a fluorescent marker to chlorotoxin, so the research team managed to 'build' a molecular beacon that signals tumors. Marking the cancer zone with the compound eases the work of the surgeon, who can remove every bit of cancerous tissue without touching the nearby healthy tissue.

This has a special importance for the brain, where 80 % of recurring malignant tumors develop at the edges of the surgical site. On the other hand, in case of breast cancer, women may not lose the entire breast.

The chlorotoxin markers were found to be 500 times more powerful than a magnetic resonance imaging scan.

Tests made on mice revealed brain tumors as small as 1 mm in diameter. Soon, human trials will follow and the technique could enter in operating theaters in the US in 18 months.

Chlorotoxin could be used for the early detection of skin, breast, prostate, testicular, cervical, esophageal, colon and lung cancers.