A NATURAL compound found in onions could help stop the spread of ovarian cancer.
Research conducted by the the Kumamoto University in Japan discovered onionin A (ONA) contains several anti-ovarian cancer properties.
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), according to the World Health Organsation (WHO) is the most common type of ovarian cancer and has a five-year survival rate of approximately 40 per cent.
It has a relatively low lifetime risk that is less than 1 per cent, but that can increase up to 40 per cent if there is a family history of the disease.
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A majority of patients, around 80 per cent, experience a relapse after their initial treatment with chemotherapy, therefore a more effective line of treatment is needed.
Researchers focused on the effects ONA has on this type of ovarian cancer.
They discovered he compound had several effects on the disease.
It activated immune responses, which helped to fight tumours, and enhanced the effects of anti-tumour medications - strengthening their capabilities to counter the cancer cells.
Experiments on mice that investigated the effects of orally administered ONA, showed the compound helped the mice live longer and stopped tumours developing on the ovaries.
The research concluded: "ONA has the potential to enhance existing anti-cancer drugs while also having little to no cytotoxic effects on normal cells.
"Additionally, side effects in animals have not been seen. With a little more testing, an oral ONA supplement should greatly benefit cancer patients."
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