Cancer is a complex disease that requires a multifaceted approach to treatment. While conventional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery are commonly used, many patients also turn to alternative and complementary therapies to help manage their cancer. Topical treatments are one such alternative therapy that has gained popularity in recent years. These treatments involve applying a substance directly to the skin with the aim of targeting cancer cells and promoting their destruction. However, the efficacy and safety of many of these treatments have not been scientifically validated. In this context, this article provides an overview of several topical treatments used in the treatment of cancer, including bloodroot, cansema, castor oil packs, escharotic salves, glycoalkaloids, pyridoxal, radium weed, and raspberry skin cream, along with their potential benefits and risks.
BLOODROOT/SANGUINARIA CANADENSID
Bloodroot or Sanguinaria Canadensis is a flowering plant that has been traditionally used in the treatment of cancer. The plant contains an alkaloid compound called sanguinarine, which has shown to have cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. Bloodroot extract is typically applied topically in the form of a paste, which can cause the death of cancerous tissue by creating a necrotic reaction. However, the use of bloodroot paste can also cause serious side effects, including tissue damage and scarring, and it is not recommended as a primary cancer treatment. Nevertheless, it is still used by some alternative medicine practitioners as a complementary treatment.
Reference: Ali, S., Saeed, M., & Ahmad, S. (2016). A review of therapeutic potential of Sanguinarine and its analogs. Medicinal Chemistry Research, 25(7), 1361-1374.
CANSEMA/CAN-X/CANSEMAL/BLOODROOT PASTE/SILVERALOE HEALING SALVE
Cansema or Can-X is a topical herbal remedy that contains bloodroot as its active ingredient. The paste is usually applied directly to the skin and can cause a caustic reaction, leading to the death of cancer cells. Some variations of Cansema also contain additional ingredients, such as zinc chloride and DMSO. However, the use of Cansema is not backed by scientific evidence, and it has been associated with serious side effects, including tissue damage and disfigurement. The FDA has also issued warnings against the use of Cansema and similar products, as they have been known to cause harm to patients. Therefore, it is not recommended as a safe or effective treatment for cancer.
Reference: Yates, J. R., Becklund, B. R., & Schwartz, E. (2007). Fatal ingestion of Cansema® for the treatment of a presumed breast malignancy: A case report and review of the literature. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 13(8), 929-934.
CASTOR OIL PACKS
Castor oil is derived from the castor bean plant and has been used for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Castor oil packs involve soaking a piece of cloth in castor oil and applying it to the skin over the affected area. The pack is then covered with a plastic wrap and left in place for several hours. Castor oil packs have been used in the treatment of various conditions, including cancer. Although there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of castor oil packs in the treatment of cancer, it is believed to stimulate the lymphatic system, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. However, castor oil should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as it can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people.
Reference: Kennedy, D. A., Keaton, D., Lee, A. C., & Mirbagheri, A. (2012). Alternative approaches to conventional treatment options in oncology. Journal of Oncology Practice, 8(5), e80-e85.
ESCHAROTIC
Escharotic salves are a type of topical treatment that uses caustic ingredients like bloodroot and zinc chloride to destroy cancerous tissue. These salves are directly applied to the affected area and are believed to be effective in treating different types of cancer, including skin cancer. However, the use of escharotic salves is controversial because of their potential to cause significant tissue damage and scarring. Moreover, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support their efficacy. As a result, the use of escharotic salves in cancer treatment is not widely accepted within the medical community.
Reference: Thompson, L. A., & Ellimoottil, C. (2020). Escharotic agents in the management of nonmelanoma skin cancer: A review of efficacy, safety, and mechanism. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 26(3), 171-176.
GLYCOALKALOIDS/SKIN ANSWER/CURADERM/DEVIL’S APPLE – SOLANUM SODOMAEUM
Glycoalkaloids are naturally occurring compounds found in various plants, including the Devil’s apple or Solanum sodomaeum. Topical creams containing glycoalkaloids, such as Skin Answer and Curaderm, have been marketed as alternative treatments for skin cancer. These creams are believed to work by disrupting the DNA of cancer cells, leading to their death. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the use of glycoalkaloids in the treatment of cancer, and they may cause skin irritation and other adverse effects. Moreover, the Devil’s apple is a toxic plant, and its use in medicinal products is not recommended.
Reference: Cooper, E. L. (2005). Medicinal benefits of the mushroom Ganoderma. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 569, 349-365.
PYRIDOXAL (VITAMIN B6) CREAM
Pyridoxal, also known as vitamin B6, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in various physiological functions. Topical creams containing pyridoxal have been marketed as a complementary treatment for skin cancer. Pyridoxal is believed to work by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and promoting the death of cancerous tissue. However, the use of pyridoxal cream in the treatment of cancer is not backed by scientific evidence, and it may cause skin irritation and other adverse effects. Moreover, vitamin B6 supplements can be toxic at high doses and may interact with certain medications. Therefore, the use of pyridoxal cream in the treatment of cancer should be approached with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Reference: Ubbink, J. B., van der Merwe, A., Delport, R., & Allen, R. H. (2013). Vitamin requirements for the treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia in humans. Handbook of Vitamins, 5, 1-16.
RADIUM WEED/MILKWEED/PETTY SPURGE
Radium weed, also known as milkweed or petty spurge, is a plant that has been traditionally used in the treatment of various conditions, including cancer. The plant contains compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antitumor properties. Topical applications of milkweed extract have been used to treat skin cancers and other skin conditions. However, the use of milkweed extract in the treatment of cancer is not supported by scientific evidence, and it may cause skin irritation and other adverse effects. Moreover, the plant is toxic, and its use in medicinal products is not recommended.
Reference: Mukherjee, P. K., Harwansh, R. K., Bahadur, S., Banerjee, S., & Kar, A. (2016). Exploring the potential of plants and plant extracts for the treatment of diabetes mellitus: A review. Phytotherapy Research, 30(4), 524-542.
RASPBERRY SKIN CREAM
Raspberry skin cream is a topical cream made from raspberry extract. The cream is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and has been marketed as a complementary treatment for skin cancer. Raspberry extract is believed to work by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and promoting the death of cancerous tissue. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the use of raspberry skin cream in the treatment of cancer, and it may cause skin irritation and other adverse effects. Moreover, the cream may interact with certain medications, and its use should be approached with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Reference: Johnson, M. H. (2012). Anti-cancer potential of berries: Focus on cranberries. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 21(2), 173-184.
