The Therapeutic Action of Some Fungi Extract in Human Cancer, in Preliminary Report

Abstract

The author, based "in vitro" experiments of J. Ricardo Meyer, Chief of the "Institute Biológico de São Paulo", conceived the idea (June 1947) of applying in human tumors for therapeutic purposes, some extracts of "Penicilium Notatum cultures", in which antineoplastic substances could be obtained without interference of "Penicilin". For the extration technic of their antineoplastic principies the author requested the cooperation of Prof. Arêa Leão, distinguished mycologist from "Institute Oswaldo Cruz". In the first experiments the A, observed serious reactions determined by the impure extracts applied. Lately, more purified preparations were obtained, by Arêa Leão, rendering them suitable for parenteral injections, without local or general reactions. The treatment is only applied in advanced stages out of any surgical or radiotherapeutic possibilities. These observations concerning two hundred cases of patients registered in both Asylum, of "Serviço Nacional de Câncer", under the direction of Dr. Mário Kroe[f. The cases were diagnosed by biopsy, X-Ray and compiementary examinations. In this report, the most different variéties in localizations and clinical aspects of neoplastic diseases were mentioned. Concerning the therapeutic effect, the A. can assure that the "Penicilium extracts" has remarkable palliative action on the symptomatology of maiignant diseases, mostiy over the pain. In about 90% of the cases their completely disappeared, after the first injection were applied. During the treatment, a good improvement is observed in general condition, weight and strength as weli as appettite and nutrition; consequently a greater survival in several cases is noted. Refering particularly the influence on the tumrs cleanliness of the ulcerated lesions and desinfiltration of tumors tissue is observed. Recently has been obtined a greater therapeutic activitie by combining the Penicilium extracts" with "Aspergilus Flavus" principles. Investigations are being conducted in order to obtain a higher concentration of antineoplastic substances contained in refered fungi and others, still under observations.