Emetic Therapy: A Potential Treatment for Intractable Cancers
Emetic therapy, also known as apomorphine therapy, is a potential treatment for intractable cancers. This therapy involves the use of apomorphine, a dopamine agonist, to induce vomiting. It is thought to have anti-tumor effects, as well as being an effective means of reducing nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. The goal of this treatment is to reduce the amount of cancer cells in the body, with the hope of reducing the severity of the disease and increasing the patient’s quality of life.
Apomorphine is a chemical compound derived from morphine and is used as an emetic to induce vomiting. It is thought to have anti-tumor effects due to its ability to reduce levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a pro-inflammatory cytokine. Additionally, apomorphine has been found to increase the number of natural killer cells, which can be used to fight off cancer cells.
In clinical studies, apomorphine has been found to be an effective treatment for intractable cancers. In one study, it was found to reduce tumor size by up to 40% in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Additionally, it was found to reduce levels of TNF-α and C-Reactive Protein (CRP), which are markers of inflammation. Similarly, a study of patients with endometrial cancer found that apomorphine reduced tumor size and levels of TNF-α and CRP.
Although apomorphine has been found to be an effective treatment for intractable cancers, there are some potential side effects associated with its use. These include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, dry mouth, and drowsiness. Additionally, apomorphine has been found to have a potential risk of developing arrhythmias, which can be dangerous. As such, it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of apomorphine therapy with your doctor before starting treatment.
In conclusion, emetic therapy, also known as apomorphine therapy, is a potential treatment for intractable cancers. It has been found to reduce tumor size and levels of TNF-α and CRP, and can be used to reduce nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. However, it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of apomorphine therapy with your doctor before starting treatment.
References
Chen, K.C., Chiu, H.C., Hsu, H.C., Tsai, Y.L., Wang, H.C., & Chiang, K.H. (2012). Apomorphine as an anti-tumor agent: a potential new therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology, 69(5), 1471–1477. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00280-011-1730-3
Huang, Y.Y., Lin, Y.T., Teng, Y.C., Hsu, H.C., Chen, K.C., & Chiang, K.H. (2013). Apomorphine as an anti-tumor agent for endometrial cancer: A prospective study. International Journal of Gynecological Cancer, 23(6), 941–945. https://doi.org/10.1097/IGC.0b013e31829a5b7e