The side effects associated with cartilage therapy are generally described as mild to moderate in severity. Inflammation at injection sites, dysgeusia, fatigue, nausea, dyspepsia, fever, dizziness, and edema of the scrotum have been reported after treatment with the bovine (cow) cartilage product Catrix.[1-3] Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping and/or bloating, constipation, hypotension, hyperglycemia, generalized weakness, and hypercalcemia have been associated with the use of powdered shark cartilage.[4-6] The high level of calcium in shark cartilage may contribute to the development of hypercalcemia. Reviewed in [5,7,8] In addition, one case of hepatitis has been associated with the use of powdered shark cartilage.[9] Nausea, vomiting, and dyspepsia are the most commonly reported side effects following treatment with AE-941/Neovastat, the aqueous extract of shark cartilage. Reviewed in [10]

References

1. Prudden JF: The treatment of human cancer with agents prepared from bovine cartilage. J Biol Response Mod 4 (6): 551-84, 1985.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
2. Romano CF, Lipton A, Harvey HA, et al.: A phase II study of Catrix-S in solid tumors. J Biol Response Mod 4 (6): 585-9, 1985.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
3. Puccio C, Mittelman A, Chun P, et al.: Treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma with Catrix. [Abstract] Proceedings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology 13: A-769, 246, 1994. 
   
   
4. Miller DR, Anderson GT, Stark JJ, et al.: Phase I/II trial of the safety and efficacy of shark cartilage in the treatment of advanced cancer. J Clin Oncol 16 (11): 3649-55, 1998.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
5. Leitner SP, Rothkopf MM, Haverstick L, et al.: Two phase II studies of oral dry shark cartilage powder (SCP) with either metastatic breast or prostate cancer refractory to standard treatment. [Abstract] Proceedings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology 17: A-240, 1998. 
   
   
6. Rosenbluth RJ, Jennis AA, Cantwell S, et al.: Oral shark cartilage in the treatment of patients with advanced primary brain tumors. [Abstract] Proceedings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology 18: A-554, 1999. 
   
   
7. Reviews of Therapies: Biologic/Organic/Pharmacologic Therapies: Cartilage. Houston, Tex: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 2003. Available online. ¹ Last accessed January 28, 2008. 
   
   
8. Jungi WF: Dangerous nutrition. Support Care Cancer 11 (4): 197-8, 2003.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
9. Ashar B, Vargo E: Shark cartilage-induced hepatitis. Ann Intern Med 125 (9): 780-1, 1996.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
10. Falardeau P, Champagne P, Poyet P, et al.: Neovastat, a naturally occurring multifunctional antiangiogenic drug, in phase III clinical trials. Semin Oncol 28 (6): 620-5, 2001.  [PUBMED Abstract]
    
    

Glossary Terms

Having to do with the abdomen, which is the part of the body between the chest and the hips that contains the pancreas, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and other organs.

Having to do with water.

A mineral found in teeth, bones, and other body tissues.

A tough, flexible tissue that lines joints and gives structure to the nose, ears, larynx, and other parts of the body.

A bad taste in the mouth. Also called parageusia.

Upset stomach.

Swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues.

A condition marked by extreme tiredness and inability to function due lack of energy. Fatigue may be acute or chronic.

Disease of the liver causing inflammation. Symptoms include an enlarged liver, fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dark urine.

Higher than normal levels of calcium in the blood. Some types of cancer increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

Higher than normal amount of glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood. Hyperglycemia can be a sign of diabetes or other conditions. Also called high blood sugar.

Abnormally low blood pressure.

Redness, swelling, pain, and/or a feeling of heat in an area of the body. This is a protective reaction to injury, disease, or irritation of the tissues.

Use of a syringe and needle to push fluids or drugs into the body; often called a "shot."

In males, the external sac that contains the testicles.

A problem that occurs when treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. Some common side effects of cancer treatment are fatigue, pain, nausea, vomiting, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss, and mouth sores.