Researchers at Lund University and the University of Gothenburg revealed that a substance in breast milk can actually kill cancer cells. The special substance, known as HAMLET (Human Alpha-lactalbumin Made LEthal to Tumour cells), had actually been discovered years ago, but it is only now that it can be tested on humans. When patients with cancer of the bladder were treated with this substance, their urine contained dead cancer cells. This gave rise to the hope and possibility that HAMLET could be used as a cancer treatment.
So far, it appears that HAMLET can kill up to 40 different kinds of cancer cells. Research is being done to study its effect on skin cancer, tumours in the mucous membranes, and brain tumours. Importantly, HAMLET kills only cancer cells and does not affect healthy cells.
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