Tomatoes extracts: New cure for stomach cancer?

Tomatoes can halt the growth and malignant cloning of cancer cells of the stomach, paving the way for newer ways to treat the deadly disease, a new study has said. The researchers analysed and studied whole tomato extracts for their ability to impede cancer cell lines.

"Their antitumoral effect seem not related to specific components, such as lycopene, but rather suggest that tomatoes should be considered in their entirety," said Daniela Barone, researcher at the Oncology Research Centre of Mercogliano (CROM) in Italy.

According to the study, the extracts of the San Marzano and Corbarino varieties of tomatoes retarded the growth and cloning behaviour of cancerous cells. When treatment was done through whole tomato extracts, the key processes were affected deterring their ability to migrate.

The cell cycle was retarded through modulation of retinoblastoma family proteins and specific cell inhibitors, and finally cancer cell death was induced through apoptosis.

"Our results prompt further assessment of the potential use of specific nutrients not only in the cancer prevention setting but also as a supportive strategy along with conventional therapies," said Antonio Giordano, professor at the University of Siena in Italy.

"Distinct species may exert different effects, in different stages of a certain neoplasm," said Barone.

Gastric cancer ranks number 4 in the most common cancers globally. Its causes can be genetic, Helicobacter pylori infection and eating disorders such as consumption of slated and smoked food.