Cactus-like plant could effectively treat cancer pain 

The novel therapy resiniferatoxin, derived from the cactus-like plant Euphorbia resinifera, could be effective in treating intractable cancer pain in patients with end-stage cancer. 
 
In an interim analysis of a first-in-human phase I trial published in NEJM Evidence, researchers assigned 19 patients with refractory cancer pain localized to the abdomen and/or lower extremities to receive a single dose of resiniferatoxin into their lumbar cerebrospinal fluid. They noted that the therapy selectively blocks pain and heat signals but doesn’t affect touch, pressure, proprioception and motor control. 
 
The researchers found that the novel therapy was effective at reducing pain intensity and opioid use; there were reports of serious and nonserious adverse events. 
 
The researchers suggested that based on their initial findings, continued investigation of resiniferatoxin “to improve pain management for patients with advanced cancer experiencing intractable pain, especially when opioids fail or are
poorly tolerated” is supported. 

Read more: NEJM Evidence 

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