Are Gastric Cancer Cells Killed by Cimetidine?
What is Gastric Cancer?
The stomach is part of the digestive system, and is situated in the upper part of the abdomen. A cancer which develops in the stomach is known as gastric cancer, gastric carcinoma, or adenocarcinoma of the stomach. Gastric cancer is a deadly disease which has a tendency to spread or metastasize to nearby organs like the small intestines and liver.
Early symptoms of gastric cancer are bloating, gas, acid reflux and fullness of the stomach after a small meal. Oftentimes, these minor symptoms are regarded as mild digestive tract problems treated with self-medications to relieve the symptoms. This is why diagnosis of gastric cancer is often delayed, and why, when it is detected, it is already at the later stage of cancer.
People with high risk for gastric cancer are those who are affected by Helicobacter pylori infection, have a family history of cancer, and are suffering from chronic gastritis. Smoking and obesity may also increase gastric cancer in predisposed individuals. The sole treatment for the disease is gastrectomy or the removal of the stomach, however, doctors also give oral medications to help relieve symptoms in patients.
What are the Uses of Cimetidine?
Cimetidine is a drug used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and duodenum. It is also used to treat GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease and esophagitis or inflammation of the esophagus. Cimetidine is an H2 blocker that works by blocking histamine that is responsible for the release of stomach acid, thus, reducing the acidity in the stomach.
Side effects caused by cimetidine include headache, drowsiness, dizziness and diarrhea. Severe side effects that needs prompt medical attention are allergic reactions, agitation, breast lumps, anxiety, confusion, disorientation, depression and hallucination. Some patients may also experience fatigue, muscle pain and joint pains.
Use of cimetidine is contraindicated in people with kidney disease, liver disease, pregnant women and those with allergies to components of the drug. It may interact with other medications used in the treatment of angina, arrhythmias, cancer, high blood pressure, psychiatric disorders and asthma.
Are Cancer Cells Killed by Cimetidine?
In 2006, there were studies looking at cimetidine as an adjuvant treatment for gastric cancer . Research have shown that the drug can support the fight against gastric cancer even if it was primarily developed to relieve heartburn. In one study, patients undergoing chemotherapy who were also given cimetidine responded better to treatment compared to those who were not given cimetidine. The benefits of cimetidine was not limited to gastric cancer alone, but have also been studied on brain tumors and colon cancers as well.
The actions of cimetidine in cancer include enhancement of the body’s immune system, inhibits spread of cancer cells and interferes with the growth of the tumor. Although it may not directly kill cancer cells, cimetidine has been found to promote apoptosis or the programmed cell death of cancer cells.
References
Life Extension Vitamins: [Cimetidine: A Common Heartburn Remedy Complements Conventional Cancer Therapy](/tools/~ May 07 Cimetidine: A Common Heartburn Remedy Complements Conventional Cancer Therapy)
MedicineNet.com: Stomach Cancer