Blueberries could cure cervical cancer

A study has recently found that combining radiation therapy with blueberry extracts can help to boost the effectiveness of cervical cancer treatment. Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix – the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Researchers from the University Of Missouri-Columbia, United States explained that one of the most common treatments for cervical cancer is radiation therapy and that it not only destroys the cancer cells, but also the nearby healthy cells, which proves to be a hazard. ‘For some cancers, such as late-stage cervical cancer, radiation is a good treatment option. However, collateral damage to healthy cells always occurs.’ said lead author of the study Yujiang Fang, professor at University of Missouri School of Medicine.

Radiosensitisers are non-toxic chemicals that make cancer cells more responsive to radiation therapy.

An earlier study had showed that resveratrol — a compound in red grapes — could be used as a radiosensitiser for treating prostate cancer. Blueberries also contain resveratrol.

For the study, published in the journal Pathology and Oncology Magazine, researchers used human cervical cancer cell lines to mimic clinical treatment.