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Study: The buzz about honeybee venom: Promising early research to treat breast cancer

Early research showed that melittin, an ingredient in honeybee venom, may be used to treat HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancers. This study found that melittin can kill cancer cells. The chemotherapy drug docetaxel more effectively killed breast cancer cells in mice when combined with melittin. It is not known whether melittin would be safe or affect cancer growth in people. While promising, more research must be done before melittin could be used to treat people.  (11/10/20)

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Contents

At a glance In-depth
Strengths and limitations Questions for your doctor              
What does this mean for me? Resources and reference 


STUDY AT A GLANCE

This study is about:

Early research on a possible treatment for breast cancer.


Why is this study important?

Early (basic) research on new drugs often begins with cancer cells in a dish or in animals before any studies are done in humans. These early lab studies help researchers select drugs that hold the most promise for clinical use. This study is an example of early research on a promising drug, melittin, in cells in a lab dish or in mice that may (or may not) be useful in breast cancer treatment of people in the future.


Study findings: 

Honeybee venom and its major component melittin kill human cancer cells in culture dishes, including cells from triple-negative and breast cancers, more effectively than normal cells. Researchers modified the melittin protein to increase its ability to target cancer cells.

The chemotherapy drug docetaxel combined with melittin killed breast cancer in mice more than docetaxel alone. This suggests that melittin may be useful in treating cancer. However, whether the same approach might work in people is unknown.

Before safety studies in humans could begin, many studies in other animals are needed to show whether melittin has other side effects. Small human safety trials are required before larger studies can determine whether melittin is helpful for treating cancer in people.
 

Strengths and limitations:

Strength

These studies were well-designed. The findings support the idea that honeybee venom and its main ingredient, melittin, could kill breast cancer cells in a dish or in mice. 

Limitation

The major limitation is that these studies have only been done in laboratory models in cells and mice. It is not clear whether melittin would work the same way or be safe for people. The potential side effects of melittin in humans is unknown.


What does this mean for me?

Melittin is not ready for clinical use. Many studies will be needed to learn if it would be safe and helpful for people. While this research does not change any treatment recommendations, it does provide a hopeful possibility for a future treatment.

If you have HER2-positive or , talk to your doctor about the most appropriate treatment for you. You may want to ask whether there are new treatments available or whether participation in a clinical trial for a new treatment makes sense for you.

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Reference

Duffy C,  Sorolla A, Wang E, et al. Honeybee venom and melittin suppress growth factor receptor activation in HER2-enriched and triple-negative breast cancer. Nature Partner Journals: Precision Oncology 2020; 4: Article number 24. Published online September 1, 2020.

 

Disclosure

FORCE receives funding from industry sponsors, including companies that manufacture cancer drugs, tests and devices. All XRAYS articles are written independently of any sponsor and are reviewed by members of our Scientific Advisory Board before publication to assure scientific integrity.

 

Questions To Ask Your Doctor

  • What is the best treatment for my breast cancer?
  • Do you recommend any new drugs or treatment methods for me?
  • Given my personal and family history, should I consider any different treatments?
  • Are any clinical trials appropriate for me?

Who covered this study?

Cancer Health

Could honeybee venom lead to a breast cancer drug? This article rates 4.0 out of 5 stars

New York Post

Honeybee venom can kill aggressive breast cancer cells: study This article rates 2.0 out of 5 stars

Medical Express

Venom from honeybees found to kill aggressive breast cancer cells This article rates 3.5 out of 5 stars

This Weekend Life

Scientists buzzing over anticancer activity of bee venom (podcast) This article rates 3.0 out of 5 stars

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