Cancer prevention by bovine lactoferrin: from animal studies to human trial

Biometals. 2010 Jun;23(3):399-409. doi: 10.1007/s10534-010-9331-3. Epub 2010 Apr 21.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers and, despite improved colonoscopic screening, CRC is a leading cause of death from cancer. Administration of bovine lactoferrin (bLF) suppresses carcinogenesis in the colon and other organs of test animals, and recently it was shown that ingestion of bLF inhibits the growth of adenomatous polyps in human patients. Here we review work which established bLF as an anti-carcinogenic agent in laboratory animals and the results of a clinical trial which demonstrated that bLF can reduce the risk of colon carcinogenesis in humans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anticarcinogenic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cattle
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Lactoferrin / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Anticarcinogenic Agents
  • Lactoferrin