Blood substitute may slow cancer spread

EVANSTON, Ill., March 7 (UPI) -- An experimental blood substitute shows promise in reducing the spread of pancreatic cancer in early clinical trials, U.S. researchers said.

Northfield Laboratories said studies show the company's human polymerized hemoglobin, PolyHeme, significantly reduced metastases and primary tumor growth in a mouse model of pancreatic cancer. The hope is that the use of PolyHeme in lieu of red blood cells may prolong survival in patients with pancreatic cancer who require transfusions, the company -- based in Illinois -- said Thursday in a release.

The research is being presented at the Society of Surgical Oncology 62nd Annual Cancer Symposium in Phoenix by Dr. Carlton C. Barnett of the Denver Health Medical Center.