A new study has found that sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, may help slow the spread of cancer by limiting cancer cells’ access to cholesterol, which they need to grow and spread.
The research, published in the journal Cancer Research, was conducted by scientists from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, Clalit Health Services, the U.S. National Cancer Institute and other medical institutions.
Researchers studied laboratory mice, human cancer cells and more than 20 years of anonymous medical records from around five million people, including about 40,000 men with cancer.
The study found that men who had used Viagra before being diagnosed with cancer had better survival rates than those who had not taken the drug. Survival appeared to be even better among men who had taken both Viagra and cholesterol-lowering statins before their diagnosis.
Scientists believe Viagra blocks a cholesterol pathway used by cancer cells to spread to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis.
However, researchers stressed that the study does not prove Viagra can treat or prevent cancer. They said it only found a link between Viagra use before a cancer diagnosis and improved survival.
“Our study did not examine whether giving Viagra to patients after they are diagnosed with cancer improves outcomes,” said Dr. Samah Hayek. “These findings are encouraging, but they do not mean cancer patients should start taking Viagra.”
Independent medical experts also welcomed the findings but said more human clinical trials are needed before Viagra can be used as part of cancer treatment.
Researchers advised people not to take Viagra to prevent or treat cancer without medical advice. They said proven ways to reduce cancer risk remain avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.
BBC
