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| - Last Updated on September 7, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that bee venom can kill cancer cells within 30 minutes. Our fact check reveals the claim is Mostly False.
The Claim
According to a Facebook post, honey bee venom kills breast cancer cells in less than 30 minutes. The post cites a new study as a source of the information.
Fact Check
Can bee venom kill breast cancer cells in 30 minutes?
Not really. Bee venom cannot kill breast cancer cells within 30 minutes. There is no scientific evidence that bee venom can kill breast cancer in such a short time, or at all, in humans. Some lab studies have shown that bee venom, particularly its component melittin, can kill cancer cells. However, these are lab studies on isolated cancer cells, not in humans.
A study from 2024 found that bee venom shows potential in fighting breast cancer by triggering cancer cell death and enhancing chemotherapy in lab and animal studies. However, it highlighted the need for extensive clinical trials to confirm its safety, effectiveness, and proper dosage in humans. The study emphasised that health authorities have not yet approved bee venom for human use and it may pose risks like allergic reactions.
In a study from 2023, researchers reviewed the anticancer potential of bee venom in preclinical studies. They found that bee venom and melittin showed some effectiveness in animal models. However, they emphasised that we need more research before using these results in clinical practice. There are no human studies proving it can treat breast cancer, let alone cure it in 30 minutes.
Another study from 2020 highlighted the promising results of bee venom in targeting aggressive breast cancer types in lab tests. Also, this study found that honeybee venom can kill cancer cells in 60 minutes with minimal harm to normal cells and not 30 minutes as stated in the claim. However, researchers have not yet proven these findings in human trials. Thus, it remains an experimental area of research.
We asked Dr Pooja Khullar, a radiation oncologist from Dharamshila Narayana Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, for her expertise on bee venom and breast cancer. She states, “While there’s a lot of excitement around bee venom and its potential effects on cancer cells, we have to understand that most of these findings are still in the lab. The studies show that bee venom, particularly melittin, can attack cancer cells in petri dishes and animal models, but we’re not yet at the stage where we can use it safely in humans. The research so far has been promising, but it’s still early days. We need large-scale clinical trials in humans to really know if bee venom could be a part of cancer treatment in the future. For now, chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation remain the most effective treatments. Researchers have tested, refined, and proven these therapies to save lives.”
We also got valuable insights from Dr Akanksha Chhabra, a Medical Oncologist from Max Healthcare, New Delhi. She informs us, “Bee venom is a fascinating area of research, with studies showing that its compound, melittin, can kill cancer cells in lab settings. However, this doesn’t mean it’s a cure or a safe option for patients yet. Laboratory results don’t always translate into safe and effective treatments for humans, and we still need years of further study and rigorous human trials to ensure its safety and efficacy. Until then, it’s crucial to stick with proven cancer treatments and consult your oncologist before considering unproven therapies, which could do more harm than good.”
How does bee venom interact with human cells, and are there risks involved?
Bee venom contains a substance called melittin, which can break down cell membranes. In lab tests, it shows the potential to attack cancer cells. However, melittin is not selective – it doesn’t only attack cancer cells. It can also damage healthy cells in the body.
A 2016 study pointed out the challenges of using bee venom in clinical settings due to its non-specific cytotoxicity which means it can harm both healthy and cancerous cells. This makes it risky for human use without further optimisation. The study also explained that researchers are exploring gene therapy and nanoparticle delivery systems to minimise these risks. But, they are still far from approval for human use.
Are there safer and more effective treatments for breast cancer available today?
Yes, thankfully, there are safer and more effective treatments available for breast cancer today. Researchers and medical community have rigorously tested many treatments for breast cancer, proving them to be safe and effective. These include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. Doctors customise these treatments for each individual based on the type and stage of their cancer.
A 2022 study focused on bee venom’s potential in reducing breast cancer cells. But, this study also highlighted the importance of reducing side effects through advanced delivery methods. However, until researchers test and approve these methods in humans, traditional treatments remain the best options.
Newer therapies, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy, have also shown great promise. These have been tested in large clinical trials and offer patients safe, effective options. We recommend you to trust on well-established treatment approaches instead of false claims like green juice can cure cancer or other home remedies. This is very important because it can potentially delay essential medical care.
Has bee venom been tested on human breast cancer patients?
No, researchers have not tested bee venom on humans. They have tested bee venom in laboratory settings and on animals. But, they have not conducted large-scale human clinical trials for treating breast cancer. Before using any treatment in humans, researchers must conduct multiple stages of testing, including safety trials and trials to assess its effectiveness.
A 2023 review pointed out that most bee venom studies so far have been preclinical, meaning they have only been tested in lab or animal models. No human trials have yet proven its effectiveness in treating breast cancer. Similarly, there have been claims on social media about marijuana being better than chemotherapy. Nonetheless, there is no evidence to prove this, as of now.
Can relying on bee venom delay proper breast cancer treatment?
Yes, it can. Choosing to use unproven treatments like bee venom could delay getting the proper care that is needed to treat breast cancer. This could be dangerous, as early detection and treatment are key factors in improving survival rates.
When patients rely on unproven methods, they risk allowing the cancer to spread or grow while they pursue treatments that don’t work. Breast cancer treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy, have been tested and proven over many years.
Is bee venom safe for cancer patients?
No. Bee venom carries significant risks, especially for cancer patients. As mentioned earlier, bee venom can cause allergic reactions, which could be severe. Even without an allergic reaction, using bee venom could damage healthy cells as well as cancer cells.
There is a need for more research into how bee venom can be safely delivered to reduce side effects, but this is still in the experimental phase. Until this research is completed and approved, using bee venom is risky and unproven. Likewise, we often see claims about cancer prevention, such as the idea that Sambar can prevent colon cancer. Surprisingly, there is a lab study on this. However, it’s important to remember that no single food or exercise can prevent cancer, as it is a very complex disease.
THIP Media Take
Bee venom cannot cure breast cancer in 30 minutes. The research around bee venom’s potential effects on cancer is still in its early stages. There are no large-scale clinical trials which prove that it works in humans. Cancer patients should always follow their healthcare provider’s advice and focus on proven treatments that are safe and effective for them. Relying on unproven methods like bee venom can delay proper treatment and may even harm patients.
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