Chemotherapy drug fights wrinkles

By Elizabeth Heathcote  on Tuesday 16 June 2009

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A drug used to treat pre-cancerous lesions on the skin may work as a powerful anti-aging treatment.

Scientists working with fluorouracil, a chemotherapy drug, noticed that it reduced the signs of aging after being applied for just two weeks.

Fluorouracil, which has also been used to treat head, neck and colon cancers, may work to reduce signs of aging by stimulating the skin to repair itself.

In a study at the University of Michigan, 21 volunteers applied an ointment made from the drug. Using before and after photographs, the  researchers judged that after two weeks there had been a reduction in fine and deep wrinkles, and dark age spots.

After 10 weeks, 19 of the 21 participants said they noticed a difference in their own skin, reports the Telegraph.

However, Dr Dana Sachs who led the study said that as the treatment is working, the skin reddens, and some patients may find this unacceptable.

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Tuesday 16 June 2009

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