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Prozac: A New Treatment for Lymphoma? Prozac is used by millions of people worldwide to treat depression and anxiety disorders. Now British researchers at the University of Birmingham are saying it may also have cancer-fighting properties. In laboratory tests released in the April 2003 edition of Blood, Prozac and other SSRI antidepressants killed Burkitt's lymphoma cells in test tubes. The SSRIs (short for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) were able to destroy the cancer cells within 24 hours. According to Dr. John Gordon, professor of immunology, the medication activates cell signals that trigger apoptosis. Apoptosis is essentially a "suicide" signal that causes cells to self-destruct. The research is a continuation of the scientists' discovery in 2002 that the brain chemical serotonin could cause Burkitt's lymphoma cells to commit suicide. The discovery emerged from an investigation into the relationship between serotonin-induced feelings of wellness and cancer treatment. The research published in 2002 also indicated that SSRIs prevented serotonin from interacting with the tumor, and raised the possibility that Prozac could contribute to brain tumors by blocking serotonin and preventing cancer cell destruction. The University of Birmingham researchers were quick to note that the tests did not indicate that Prozac was a cancer-causing agent, and that further study was required. The 2003 report indicates that SSRIs, far from preventing cancer cell apoptosis, can actually initiate the process. Researchers discovered that by increasing SSRI doses, they could reverse their previous findings. Higher levels of the drugs trigger the apoptosis cell signals and allow malignant cell destruction to occur. Burkitt's lymphoma is a rapid growing form of lymphoma. Only one hundred Americans a year are diagnosed with the condition. Incidence rates in Africa, however, are very high. There, Burkitt's lymphoma is the most common cause of childhood cancers. The lymphoma is often seen in combination with AIDS. The cancer is present in two percent of all AIDS cases. Burkitt's lymphoma responds well to chemotherapy, and boasts a high cure rate. If AIDS is present, however, chemotherapy is not as effective. Researchers hope that their discovery will offer an alternative to patients who cannot benefit from treatment with chemotherapy. Thus far, Prozac and related drugs have only demonstrated their cancer-killing properties in laboratories, and only against Burkitt's lymphoma cells. Clinical trials are required to see if Prozac can reproduce this ability in the human body. High doses of SSRIs will be required. However, given the low toxicity level associated with SSRIs, and the relatively low rate of adverse side effects, researchers hope to be able to complete clinical trials quickly. This discovery may give rise to a new and inexpensive therapy for Burkitt's lymphoma. Should tests reveal that the medications have similar effects on other forms of lymphoma, or on entirely different types of cancer, Prozac may one day gain prominence in cancer treatment. Resources Cancer Page. (nd). Researcher sees possible Prozac cancer link in test tube. Retrieved May 9, 2003, from www.cancerpage.com/cancernews/cancernews4113.htm. Health Scout. (2003). British researchers: Prozac may cure certain cancer. Retrieved May 9, 2003, from www.healthscout.com/static/news/1501236.html. Woodman, R. (2003). Prozac kills Burkett's lymphoma cells: Scientists. Retrieved May 9, 2003, from www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_12375.html.

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