Capsazepine was developed to block TRPV1, a calcium channel found in pain-sensing neurons. Study first author Cara B. Gonzales, DDS, PhD, assistant professor of comprehensive dentistry and an investigator with the Cancer Therapy & Research Center at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, found that capsazepine also has anti-cancer activity that could be associated with its ability to increase damage in tumors.
The study found that capsazepine was highly effective in suppressing tumor growth and did not show any identifiable toxicities. Thus far, only local administration of capsazepine, directly into the primary tumors, has been tested.
“Capsazepine kills cancers selectively, leaving normal tissues alone, and also acts on neurons to block pain, a desirable combination in a potential medication,” said Dr. Gonzales.
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