Bee venom used to target cancer

The Wall Street Journal (9/29, D2, Loftus) reports that researchers have found a way to treat cancerous tumors using an ingredient of bee venom called melittin.  Past research has shown that melittin attacks healthy cells in the process of shrinking or slowing the growth of tumors.  But, researchers at Washington University discovered that by attaching melittin to nanoparticles, which are then injected into patients' blood stream, they can pinpoint cancerous tumors and potentially avoid some toxic side effects associated with other cancer treatments.  In a study on mice with breast and skin cancers, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, this approach was shown to halt tumor growth or shrink tumors, and reduce precancerous lesions.