More research indicates opiate-based pain drugs may stimulate cancer cell growth

[Justin]

More research indicates opiate-based pain drugs may stimulate cancer cell growth.
Copyright © 2009 by Custom Briefings

HealthDay (11/18, Preidt) reported, "Two new studies add to growing evidence that morphine and other opiate-based painkillers may promote the growth and spread of cancer cells." Previous work conducted at the University of Chicago revealed that morphine may "increase tumor cell proliferation, inhibit the immune system, promote the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) that feed tumors, and decrease barrier function." But, the "principal author of both studies," Patrick A. Singleton, explained that the "findings from tests with cell cultures and mice suggest that the mu opiate receptor...may offer a potential treatment target."

Specifically, investigators observed that Relistor [methylnaltrexone], a drug typically administered to relieve morphine-induced constipation, appeared to stymie lung cancer progression in petri dishes, Reuters (11/19, Elsner) reported. The team also discovered that genetically altered rodents who did not have the mu opiate receptor failed to develop tumors after they were injected with cancer cells. What's more, Relistor reduced metastasis by some 90 percent in normal mice with mu, without modifying the effect of anesthesia.

[Katie]

At least it isn't all bad news. I hate being on these medications and am sure they are responsible in some way to all the allergies I have developed just months after starting them.

All the more reason to get surgery and off them. So much for the surgeons who tell me that they don't operate just for pain. There is so much more to it.