Written by Jerry and Lisa Meloche, Pharm.D., Owners, Compounding Pharmacists
2-Methoxyestradiol (2-MEO) is a compound made from estrogen, a hormone in the body. Scientists have been studying 2-MEO for its possible role in cancer research, especially breast cancer. While it’s not approved by the FDA as a treatment for any condition, early studies suggest it may have potential benefits in fighting cancer. This article will explain what 2-MEO is, how it works, and why researchers are looking into it for cancer, including breast cancer.
How 2-MEO Works
2-MEO is made when the body breaks down estrogen. One of the ways it might help in cancer research is by stopping tumors from creating new blood vessels. Tumors need blood vessels to grow because they use them to get oxygen and nutrients. By blocking this process, 2-MEO might slow or stop the growth of cancer.
Another way 2-MEO might work is bycausing cancer cells to die through a process called apoptosis. Apoptosis is a natural way that the body gets rid of damaged or unwanted cells. In cancers, cells often avoid this process, which is why they can keep growing. 2-MEO could help trigger apoptosis in cancer cells, which may help slow down or reduce the size of tumors.
2-MEO and Breast Cancer
Even though 2-MEO is not FDA-approved for treating cancer, some research has shown that it might have positive effects in breast cancer. A study in 2010 found that 2-MEO could slow the growth of breast cancer cells and cause them to die, without causing too much damage to healthy tissue.
Some studies suggest that 2-MEO could be used alongside other cancer treatments, such as chemo- therapy. Breast cancer can sometimes become resistant to standard treatments, but because 2-MEO works differently from most cancer drugs, it might help overcome this resistance. More research is needed to confirm these findings.
What Other Cancers Could 2-MEO Affect?
In addition to breast cancer, researchers have studied 2-MEO’s effects on other types of cancer.
Early research suggests that 2-MEO could be useful in treating cancers like ovarian, prostate, pancre- atic, and brain cancers. In prostate cancer, for example, 2-MEO has been shown to stop cancer cells fromgrowing and to trigger their death.
Its ability to stop the growth of blood vessels (anti- angiogenic properties) and to kill cancer cells makes 2-MEO a compound of interest for many different cancers, although ti is still being researched.
How to Get 2-MEO
Because 2-MEO is not a standard prescription drug, it can only be obtained from compounding pharmacies like Creative Scripts. Compounding pharmacies create custom medications based on a prescription from your healthcare provider. Since 2-MEO is not widely available, a healthcare provider would need to assess if it might be right for you, based on your individual health needs.
It’s also important to remember that 2-MEO is still considered an experimental treatment in cancer research. The FDA has not approved it for cancer or any other condition, which means doctors and patients need to carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits before considering it as part of a treatment plan.
Is 2-MEO Safe?
While studies on 2-MEO are still ongoing, early trials show that it is generally safe and well-toler- ated by patients. Some researchers are con- cerned about its potential interaction with estrogen-sensitive tissues, especially in women with hormone-driven cancers like estrogen recep- tor-positive breast cancer. This is why it’s critical for patients to work closely with their healthcare providers if considering 2-MEO as an option.
A 2014 study suggested that better ways to deliver 2-MEO into the body, such as through advanced technology like nanoparticles, could improve its effects and safety. This research is ongoing, and more clinical trials are needed before it can be widely used in cancer care.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you are interested in learning more about 2-MEO, the best first step is to talk to your healthcare provider. While the research so far is promising, 2-MEO is not an FDA-approved cancer treatment. Your doctor can help you understand the current research, discuss whether it might be right for you, and provide information on how to obtain it from Creative Scripts. Cancer treatment is complex, and it’s important to be fully informed about experimental therapies like 2-MEO. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any decisions about new treatments.
Creative Scripts Compounding Pharmacy custom builds medication, one patient at a time. We use the highest quality pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, state-of-the-art bases, equipment, and technology. Continual training on the newest techniques, advances in therapy, and regulations allows our pharmacists and technicians to provide the safest, most effective medications for you AND your pets. In addition to compounded medications, we offer pharmaceutical-grade nutritional supplements, health advice, and hormone consults. Creative Scripts specializes in veterinary compounding, dermatology, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), pain management, and more. Pharmacists Jerry and Lisa Meloche have served Naples and surrounding communities since 2005.
