Question:
I am looking for information about alternative/conventional methods that
hold promise in the treatment of melanoma -- specifically, desmoplastic
malignant melanoma. I am especially interested in learning more about
the vaccine clinical studies that are being done.
Answer:
There is a substance that has been recently discovered to be cytotoxic
specifically to melanoma cells. It is called betulinic acid and has been
isolated from birch bark. Pre-clinical trials are now being set up. If
you do a search on //altavista.digital.com for betulinic acid, you will
find more information on it. I would also recommend looking up a study
that was published in the journal Nature Medicine Vol. 1, Number 10, Oct.
1995 "Discovery of betulinic acid as a selective inhibitor of human
melanoma that functions by induction of apoptosis".
