| In 1983, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology published a study showing that shark cartilage has the ability to
inhibit blood vessel growth (angiogenesis). The public interest in shark
cartilage grew when Dr. I. Williiam Lane published his book, Sharks Don't Get
Cancer -- How Shark Cartilage Could Save Your Life. Dr. Lane discusses
how inhibition of angiogenesis can halt tumor growth and prevent cancer
metastasis. His extensive research of shark cartilage has led him to
conclusion that shark cartilage can inhibit angiogenesis and is, therefore,
effective against cancer, as well as other conditions, such as arthritis,
psoriasis and enteritis. His most well known work was conducted in Cuba
and consisted of giving shark cartilage to 29 nonresponsive terminal cancer
patients. This work was extensively covered by 60 Minutes' Mike
Wallace. The airing of this 60 Minutes edition marked the start of
the shark cartilage "craze." Currently, there are more than 40 different brand names
of shark cartilage available to consumers. Because dietary supplements are
regulated as foods, rather than drugs, the FDA does not evaluate these various
brands of shark cartilage. The FDA has recognized the potential benefit of
shark cartilage. To conduct clinical drug research, investigators must
first file an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the FDA. The
IND status has been granted to at least 4 groups of investigators who are
studying shark cartilage as a cancer treatment. |
