Antihistamines, allergies and cancer

Husband11 · October 2012

http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/researchers-examine-possible-link-between-allergies-cancer-1.1009398

Some exciting new cancer research is taking place at Dalhousie University that could change our understanding of the disease.

According to researchers at the university, there could be a link between allergies, antihistamines and the spread of cancer tumours.

“It brings together information that we have from epidemiology that we’ve always been curious about, you know, why some people are protected with allergic disease are protected from certain types of cancer,” says researcher Jean Marshall.

The researchers say they are examining whether the levels of histamine released in our body during an allergic reaction, or the medications we take to fight the reaction, affect the growth or spread of tumours.

Read more: http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/researchers-examine-possible-link-between-allergies-cancer-1.1009398#ixzz2ALo46bEy

cp418 · October 2012

This is very significant considering how many of us suffer from seasonal allergies - - and take these medications.

Angelfalls · October 2012

And how about the anti-histamines we're often given with pre-meds before chemo?!

cp418 · October 2012

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Dermatology-1011/2012/1/antihistamines-safe-despite-1994.htm

Jelson · October 2012

I find it fascinating that, based on Timothy and cp418's research, it seems to have taken 18 years for a study to be planned to look into this issue.

I wonder if they will also look at H-2-receptor blockers. Previously available only with a prescription, such as Pepcid AC and Zantac - which are used by millions of people with gastric reflux symptoms and which are a form of antihistamine - I think?

cp418 · October 2012

Jelson - long term use of the Nexium and other acid reflux OTC does have GI cancer risks. This was mentioned to me by my naturopath who tries to get these patients weaned off these drugs.

wallycat · October 2012

Interesting since just a few months ago, they were reporting that people with dermatitis/eczema, which is an allergic reaction on the skin, has shown these people to have lower cancer rates (on some cancers). The theory was that the immune system is hypervigilant, which protects these individuals.

Having developed pollen allergies in my 40s, but also having sensitive skin....not sure what "caused" my breast cancer. Sample of one, checking in.

Antihistamines, allergies and cancer

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